Infancy is a sensitive period that sometimes worries parents because babies cannot or cannot express the problems they experience. Constipation problem, which can be seen in babies during this period, is very common, especially during the transition to supplementary food. This is because the baby is new to solid foods. This period can be easily overcome by choosing the right foods.
Constipation in Babies
Constipation in newborn babies is a rare condition. In small babies, conditions such as difficulty in defecation and gas pain can be observed due to the fact that the muscles are still very weak and the bowel movements are slow. However, this does not always indicate constipation. Therefore, if this problem is seen, instead of investigating the question of how to relieve constipation in newborn babies, a physician should be consulted to make sure that the condition is constipation. Babies who have problems suggesting constipation related to defecation should be taken to a pediatrician examination and information should be obtained from the physician regarding the cause of this problem and solutions.
What is Constipation?
Constipation; It is a health problem whose medical name is constipation and defined as less frequent, hard or difficult defecation than normal. Constipation, which can be seen in adults due to various health problems or problems with the diet, can also be seen in babies in some cases. However, constipation can sometimes be misdiagnosed due to reasons such as bowel movements in infants proceed in a different order than adults, and the infant's diet has significant effects on defecation.
Constipation is very rare in breastfed infants and only breastfed infants do not need to defecate every day. In some cases, even if defecation does not occur for a few days, this does not usually mean constipation and is natural. However, delayed defecation and abnormal hardness or quantity, as well as the appearance of symptoms such as restlessness in the baby, may indicate intestinal constipation or a different health problem. At the same time, constipation may occur due to some mistakes made during the transition to solid foods or the baby's inability to tolerate foods. It can develop. When such symptoms continue for a few days, they should be taken seriously and consulted to health institutions.
What are the Symptoms of Constipation in Babies?
Frequency of bowel movements in babies is directly related to the age of the baby and what foods he consumes. Therefore, every change in defecation pattern should not be perceived as constipation. Constipation is a very rare condition in breastfed babies. This situation, which will cause the baby to be constantly restless, requires a doctor's examination. Symptoms of constipation in babies who have started complementary foods other than breast milk are as follows:
- Defecation in a hard structure or lumps (like goat excrement)
- Clay-like stool structure
- Delayed, infrequent and difficult bowel movements
- Pain symptoms that cause crying and bowing in babies
- Constant restlessness and sleep problems
- Anorexia
What are the Causes of Constipation in Babies? Causes Constipation in Babies?
Before answering the question of what causes constipation in babies, it should be known that the frequency of defecation varies according to the age of the baby.
- Feeding 4 times a day in the first week after birth or 7-8 times a day up to a month may occur.
- Defecation is observed twice a day until the fourth month, and once a day after four months.
In cases such as giving cow's milk, which is more difficult to digest than breast milk, and switching to solid foods, the condition called functional constipation is common. Babies who feel pain and discomfort during the removal of solidified stool may prefer to hold the stool and as a result constipation may develop. Malnutrition is another condition that can cause constipation. It is possible to overcome this situation with some physical exercises and some dietary changes in such babies. In case of persistent constipation, a physician should be consulted again.
What is Good for Constipation in Babies? How to Relieve Constipation in Newborn Babies?
Functional constipation in babies can usually be resolved with some practices and dietary changes that can be done at home. For those wondering how to relieve constipation in babies, some applications that can help relieve constipation can be listed as follows:
ExercisesMovement has a very important effect on accelerating digestion and supporting bowel movements. Exercise should be done regularly, especially in babies who are not walking or crawling. After the baby with constipation problem is laid on his back, gentle exercise can be done by pushing the legs towards the abdomen and pulling them back. In addition, the digestive movements can be accelerated by moving the legs in the form of cycling.
Warm Bath One of the best answers to the question of how constipation in babies is treated is a warm bath. Having a warm bath for babies with constipation problems not only helps to relax the abdominal muscles, reduces tension and pain, but also accelerates digestive movements. With the warmth of the bath, relaxation and abdominal pain in the baby Defecation is also supported, while improvement is seen in breast milk. If constipation develops in children who have been fed complementary feeding, a small amount of fluid supplementation can be applied to ensure hydration and soften stool consistency. Water or natural juice or puree may be preferred for this purpose. Increasing the amount of fluid given to babies who do not take breast milk will also be beneficial in supporting digestion and solving constipation in babies. Making clockwise circular movements in the stomach area of the baby with the help of fingertips, holding the baby's knees and feet and pushing it towards the abdomen, using the fingertips to make vertical movements from the rib cage to the belly button are some of the constipation massage applications that can be effective in relieving constipation.
Diet Changes Changing the formula used in infants fed with formula is one of the effective methods that can be tried. In various cases, it may be necessary to switch to dairy-free or high-fiber foods, but since adverse effects may develop, it will be the best option to consult a physician in this regard. In babies who consume solid foods, fibrous foods that are easier to digest can be preferred, and fresh vegetables and fruits with high fiber content should be added to the diet. Fruits such as apples, plums, peaches, pears, cherries, and foods such as oatmeal and broccoli are among the healthy foods that can be added to the diet because they are effective in preventing constipation. Foods with high liquid content and containing probiotic bacteria should also be given to the baby in sufficient amounts. In these cases, various methods such as suppositories, laxatives, enema application can be used for constipation in babies. In order to prevent the recurrence of constipation after such practices, it is important to plan the diet. There is also. In addition to all these, in cases such as blood in the baby's stool, persistent tension and abdominal pain in the baby, an application should be made to health institutions immediately without trying home applications.
If you think or observe that your baby has a constipation problem, you wonder what to do for constipation in babies. You can benefit from the above applications. If you do not get results from these, you can apply to your doctor and have your baby undergo a detailed examination; You can get the most accurate answers to questions such as what should children eat for constipation from your doctor. If deemed necessary by the physician, you can start treatment applications.
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