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