Baby Constipation: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Constipation
Let’s face it, it hurts us to see our little ones cry out in pain due to constipation.
Every child has a different bowel pattern – For example, some children will have bowel movement every 2 to 3 days whereas some will have at least 2 bowel movements a day. Constipation occurs when the number of bowel movements reduces greatly from the child’s normal bowel pattern.
What are the signs and symptoms:
- Reduced bowel movements from your child’s usual bowel pattern
- Stools are hard, dry & pebble-like. Or try our stool app here to help you find out more about your child’s stool
- Loss of appetite
- Firm belly that is painful to touch
What causes it:
- Lack of sufficient liquid
- Lack of fibre in your child’s diet
- A change in diet or formula milk
- Medication
How to treat it:
- Increase intake of fruits & vegetables
- Increase intake of fruit juices (e.g. prune juice)
- Switch to a formula milk containing Prebiotics
- Help your child to do bicycle legs
- Rub your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction with Ru Yi You (medicated oil)
- Increase your child’s physical activities
- Consult your paediatrician
References: www.healthhub.sg, www.parents.com, www.nuh.com.sg
Questions about feeding and nutrition?
Our midwives, nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.