When to Worry About Your Baby’s Constipation

As a parent, your number one job is your child’s health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many new parents can feel like they are failing almost every day, but it is vital to remember two things: every new mom or dad feels that way, and your child is likely fine, despite your overwhelming fears.

A common problem new babies face is developing a bowel movement schedule. Because of the inconsistency of their movements, parents can become concerned about constipation or worse. While a lack of appropriate nerves or structural problems can lead to constipation, cases are exceedingly rare. Most constipation cases — if they really are constipation — will work themselves out, but you can help move the process along with products like wellements constipation support.

The primary objective is to know when your baby is dealing with constipation and if they need to go to the doctor. The remainder of this blog will address these issues in detail and provide a few home solutions for minor bathroom problems.

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Acknowledging the Signs of Constipation in Babies

You must understand that your infant might not always go according to a preset or understood schedule. Newborns and infants less than one need time to develop their bowel movement schedule. However, there are several signs that your baby is experiencing constipation and may benefit from Wellements probiotic drops:

Swollen abdomen and gas
Infrequent stools
Difficulty passing stools
Liquid stool similar to diarrhea
Painful cramps
Straining more than usual
Small, hard pebble-like stools
Soft, mushy stools
Large, wide stools

Home Remedies to Help and Some to Avoid

Besides asking questions like does gripe water help constipation, many new parents want to know about ways to treat their babys’ condition at home. Thankfully, as most infant constipation cases are mild, there are at least three options for home care.

First, for babies eating strained foods, parents can give them fruits and vegetables. Fiber can help soften and add weight to stools, helping your baby pass them.

Second, for babies not yet eating jar foods, parents can try providing fruit juices. You do not want to give too much because that can cause stools to become too loose. Instead, give your infant two to four ounces per day of apple, prune, cherry, or pear juice.

Finally, if you feed your baby rice cereal and notice constipation signs, consider switching to oatmeal or barley cereal. Some children do not digest rice cereal well.

Regardless of the method you use, never give your baby laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without first consulting your pediatrician. These treatments are only required in rare circumstances and could be potentially harmful if not used correctly.

Knowing When to Go to the Doctor

While most cases of infant constipation will resolve on their own, sometimes further medical treatment is necessary. If you notice blood in your baby’s stool, or if the constipation does not improve, leading to abdominal pain and irritability, take your child to the doctor.

Keeping your baby healthy and happy is the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, it also comes with worry and incredible anxiety. Just remember that infant constipation typically resolves itself and that the likelihood of it being anything more severe is rare.