As new parents, there are always so many questions and endless doubts for our newborns. Especially when it comes to the baby’s health, the first six months are crucial as the parents are clueless about the baby’s happenings. New parents also try to understand the baby’s cues, which can become challenging too. The most common query for a new mother is always related to constipation in her baby. Constipation in babies and toddlers can cause much distress if not taken care of correctly. But across the globe, paediatricians advise against over-the-counter drugs for treating the same because of the potential risk of side effects of such medications. This is why mothers rely on old natural ways and home remedies for constipation in toddlers and in kids.
If you are a first-time mom and your little bundle of joy is suffering from constipation, there are a few things you need to know before you explore the home remedies to treat constipation in babies and toddlers. This article is divided into three. The first part deals with the signs of constipation in kids and babies, the second is about the reasons for constipation in breastfeeding babies and toddlers, and the last part is about home remedies to treat constipation in babies and toddlers. As a parent, you must also understand when your baby is feeling constipated.
As a parent, you must also be able to understand when your baby is feeling constipated and how to treat kids’ constipation.
What Is Constipation In Babies?
However, every baby is born differently, and there is a different normal for every baby when it comes to pooping. Usually, newborns poop after every feeding in the initial weeks after birth. Later, when the baby is around 6 weeks, babies fed breast milk are seen to poop less (sometimes even one time a week) because breast milk forms no solid waste that has to come out from the body. Whereas Formula-fed babies poop once a day or once on every alternate day usually. A baby should pass a soft stool that shows that your baby’s digestive system is standard and that the food they eat is suited to their body. The constipated stool might be difficult and even painful to draw out.
Here Are Some Signs Of Constipation In Babies:
Constipation can be uncomfortable for babies, but recognising the signs of constipation in kids can help address it effectively.
- If the baby hasn’t passed stool for days.
- Your baby is crying with pain and not being able to pass stool.
- Your baby refuses to eat food/solids.
- Your baby is trying to put pressure but is unable to pass stool.
- If your baby has a tight or firm tummy.
- If your baby has vomited because of irregular bowel movements.
Constipation In Breastfeeding Babies & Toddlers:
In the initial six months, as the babies are exclusively breastfed, the chances of irregular bowel movements are high. Doctors say it’s normal for a baby in the first six months without passing any stool for 5-7 days. Have a look at the Top 5 Immunity Boosting Food for Kids. In such cases, don’t panic and don’t start considering that your baby is constipated. Because the babies during the initial months are mostly sleeping (which is good for their physical and mental growth), which means there’s not much body movement or exercise. So, to increase the baby’s bowel movement, gently move your baby’s legs just like cycling and do a baby’s body massage. This automatically helps the baby to pass the stool.
Reasons For Constipation In Breastfeeding Babies:
Constipation in breastfeeding babies can sometimes occur, but understanding the reasons behind it can help parents navigate this common issue with ease. Here are some common reasons.
- Due to insufficient milk supply to the baby.
- Due to an insufficient amount of water in the baby through breastfeeding.
- If the baby is already suffering from a cold and cough that decreases the water content level (dehydration) further causing constipation.
- When babies start transitioning to solid foods, there is a high probability that their bodies might take some time to adapt to the changing food habits. This is one of the main reasons for constipation in babies.
- Insufficient water, formula milk or breast milk intake can cause dehydration in babies. This can lead to constipation.
- If your baby takes more refined cereals or processed foods and doesn’t consume much fibre in its diet, it could be a reason for the baby’s constipation.
- It is very important for you to pay categorical attention to the physical activity that your baby indulges in. Tummy time and playtime are super important to stimulate gut health for good.
- If your baby is formula-fed, or if you have recently switched some food products in your child’s diet, there is a possibility that it is not resonating with your child’s system. If this is the reason for which your baby is constipated, it is advisable for you to check with your paediatrician.
Constipation is not just restricted in infants but also past six months.
Reasons For Constipation In Babies (Above 6 Months Of Age):
Here are some reasons for constipation in children above 6 months of age.:
- When the baby is introduced to semi-solids/solids and food.
- Recently some specific food to the baby.
- If the baby is suffering from a cold, cough, and teething that leads to dehydration further causing constipation
- Cow’s milk and cheese can cause constipation in toddlers.
- Even foods like bananas, carrots, and rice cause constipation in Toddlers.
Note: Cow’s Milk should be introduced to babies above 1 year of age.
Many times babies get constipated when introduced to food or some babies also get loose motions caused by this.
Home Remedies For Child Constipation in Babies and Toddlers:
Most of the time, Constipation in babies and toddlers can be managed by some simple home remedies for constipation in kids. And the bright side of it is that these baby constipation home remedies have no reverse effect on your little one. Below are some tried and tested home remedies for treating constipation in babies and toddlers.
1. Asafoetida (Hing):
One of the most accessible children’s constipation remedies is to apply hing (Asafoetida) water around the baby’s navel.
- Take a pinch of Asafoetida.
- Mix it in a bit of water till it’s smooth.
- Slowly rub/apply around the baby’s navel.
- Try not to apply in the navel.
Preferred age: After 40 days of the baby’s birth
2. Massage:
Massaging your baby’s tummy is important.
- Use a massaging oil that you use and make clockwise circular movements around your baby’s navel and also on the entire tummy slowly and normally.
- Lightly press the baby’s tummy area to allow or help bowel movement.
Preferred age: As long as the umbilical cord of the baby doesn’t fall off naturally by itself, nothing including water should be touched around that part of the baby. To keep it safe, introduce massage only after 40 days of the baby’s birth.
You may be interested in reading – How to do your Baby’s massage
3. Seedless Dates With Milk:
- Take 2-3 seedless dates in a glass of milk.
- Boil it on a slow flame for a few minutes.
- Once it comes down to a lukewarm temperature, give it to your baby before bedtime. It does wonders and helps the child’s bowel movement overnight. Should be given in a week just once or twice.
Note: As dates are warm in nature so avoid giving this kid constipation remedy in hot weather (on a regular basis)
Preferred Age: Best suited for babies over one year of age
4. Pear:
Include rich fibrous fruit “Pear Juice” in your baby’s diet. Give your baby a juicy and ripe pear which will ease the movement of stool through the intestines.
Preferred Age: For babies over 6 months of age
5. Tomato Juice:
Tomato juice is another helpful remedy for constipation in kids. Add tomato juice to your child’s daily diet to increase bowel movement. One of the best home remedies for infant constipation.
Preferred Age: For babies over 6 months of age
6. Soaked Raisins With Milk:
Raisins are high in calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium so it is considered one of the most effective home remedies to treat constipation in toddlers.
- Take 4-5 raisins with a glass of milk
- Boil it for a few minutes by stirring well.
- Once it comes to a lukewarm temperature, give it to your child before bedtime. It will help in regulating bowel movement.
Preferred Age: For babies over 1 year of age
7. Fennel (Saunf) Seeds In Water:
Fennel seeds are a type of spice that can be added to foods to infuse them with a distinctive flavour, increase their nutritional value, and reduce their caloric content. These fennel seeds for babies have been used throughout history for medicinal purposes. Fennel seed water for babies may help relieve constipation by stimulating the GI system and increasing the movement of stool through the intestines. Fennel seeds for toddlers are also a great source of dietary fibre. Supplementing with fennel water for babies’ constipation also known as saunf water for constipation in babies or fennel tea baby constipation may also boost the ability to absorb nutrients. Even Fennel tea for babies’ constipation is used to protect babies.
Using saunf for constipation in babies by adding it to water is another favourite and easy 6-month baby constipation home remedy. Learn how to give saunf water to babies and how much fennel water to give babies:
- Boil 1 teaspoon of fennel seed in a cup of water for 3-4 minutes.
- Let it come down to room temperature and feed the saunf ka paani for babies with a spoon 3-4 times a day. It does wonders too.
Preferred Age: For babies over 6 months of age
8. Ajwain Water:
When your stomach is empty, you feel like you can barely keep anything down. It’s frustrating and uncomfortable, and it can make constipation worse especially for small babies. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to help keep your babies stomach full and your constipation under control. One of the best ways is to make them drink a glass of water with a couple of drops of Ajwain water extract.
In order to prepare ajwain water for babies, you can follow the same steps as stated above for fennel seeds.
- But remember to give it to your baby at a lukewarm temperature.
- This helps in proper bowel movement instantly.
- Ajwain water for constipation is to be given 3-4 times a day.
Preferred Age: For babies over 6 months of age
9. Hydration:
Ensure your baby is taking sufficient water every day. Letting a child have enough water throughout the day helps a lot in the child’s proper bowel movement. This reduces the stomach’s tightness and also lets the baby stay happy and comfortable. Also when a baby is first born, their kidneys aren’t able to function very well. This means that they don’t produce enough urine, and can’t absorb enough water from their surroundings. This is why babies need to be given water every few hours. Keeping them hydrated can be beneficial for their entire body’s health. You can also give saunf ka paani for babies or fennel seed water for constipation in children which will give an added benefit and improve gut function.
Preferred Age: For babies over 6 months of age
10. Honey:
Honey is one quick and straightforward home remedy for treating 1-year-old kids’ constipation home remedies.
- Give your child one teaspoon of honey in lukewarm water just before bedtime.
- If you want to improve bowel movement, give this solution twice a day.
Preferred Age: For babies above one year of age
11. Orange Juice:
Orange juice works wonders as well for children’s constipation. One of the best home remedies for 4-month-old baby constipation. This is another way of increasing liquid intake in the baby’s body, which indirectly helps the body stay hydrated.
Preferred Age: For Babies over 6 months of age
12. High-Fiber Diet:
Adding high-fibre food to your child’s daily diet can also help their bowel movement. A perfect newborn baby constipation home remedies; For example, whole grains, wholewheat, oatmeal, broccoli, and high fibre cereals help the child with constipation.
Preferred Age: Best suited for babies over 6 months of age
13. Cycling During Massage Time:
You may also choose to make your child move his legs as if cycling during massage time. This is considered a great exercise for babies and keeps the baby active and playful as well.
- Make your baby lie down flat on his tummy
- Move the baby’s legs as if paddling the cycle, do it slow and easy. This home remedy for constipation in kids helps bowel movement too.
Preferred Age: For Babies over 2 months of age
14. Papaya:
Papaya helps build immunity and helps in the kid’s constipation quick relief, making the digestive system strong. You can make a simple smoothie using papaya cubes or blend it and give it to your toddler. It is a rich source of fibre as well.
Preferred Age: Babies over 6 months of age
15. Formula Milk:
If your baby is feeding on formula Milk, sometimes constipation occurs due to that also. Consult your paediatrician once about whether to change that particular brand of Formula Milk.
16. Ginger:
Ginger is another helpful ingredient to treat constipation in kids.
- You may use ginger in honey to help your baby.
- Take half an inch of ginger in half a cup of water. Boil the two together for a few minutes.
- Once you turn off the gas, add one teaspoon of honey to the ginger water.
- Give it to your toddler 1-2 times a day at a lukewarm temperature. It must be given to babies over 1 year of age.
Preferred Age: For Babies over 1 year of age
17. Plums:
Plums are really high in fibre and works wonder as home remedies for constipation in kids.
Chop the plum into cubes after washing it properly and removing its peel
- Blend it along with water until smooth
- Mix it well
- Give it 1-2 times a day at a lukewarm temperature
Preferred age: Above 6 months
18. Apricots:
Dried apricots have been an instant Indian home remedy for constipation in toddlers
- Make a puree of the apricots
- Or serve it as a juice by blending it with water
- Dried apricots can be added to baby foods as well
Preferred age: Above 8 months
19. Walnuts:
Walnuts have a high amount of soluble fibre which can help in treating constipation. It should be given in powdered form to babies and as a whole according to the age.
Preferred age: Above 8 months
20. Broccoli:
Broccoli is another great source of soluble fibre being very effective in treating children’s constipation
- Wash the broccoli properly
- Pressure-cook the broccoli and garlic together
- Add them to a blender until a fine paste is obtained
- Add a little milk or water and serve warm
Preferred age: Above 8 months
21. Triphala:
Triphala is a mixture of three medicinal plants, as the name implies. Amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki are the three types. Triphala is a multi-beneficial herb that is commonly eaten with milk. Give your child a teaspoon of Triphala mixed with warm milk before sleep. It’s the most effective natural treatment for constipation in children. This is one of the most often used baby constipation remedies.
22. Blackberries:
The Blackberry is an excellent stimulator of peristaltic action. These are waves of involuntary motions in the digestive system that assist in moving food forward. This aids in the passage of faeces by resetting the bowel movement to a regular schedule. On an empty stomach, drinking blackberry juice diluted with water aids in achieving the intended outcome.
23. A Banana Soaked In Boiling Water:
This is a well-known kids’ constipation treatment. Mixing a banana with hot water and drinking it first thing in the morning is said to assist digestion, therefore alleviating constipation.
24. Prunes:
Prunes are an amazing remedy if your baby is constipated. You can mix prune juice with some water, and offer that to your baby. Prunes are a natural laxative and a great food for baby’s bowels.
25. Yogurt:
Yoghurt is amazing for babies when they are constipated. The probiotics present in yoghurt can work wonders for your child’s gut health. Consequently, bowel movements can be regulated and constipation in infants can be eased.
So, these were the Home Remedies to Treat Constipation in Babies and Toddlers.
A mother should rely on home remedies to treat constipation in Babies and Toddlers for her baby because they are easy to use and safe. Home remedies can always do wonders for the baby’s health. Home remedies always do wonder about the baby’s health you can also use cornstarch for diarrhoea problems in your little one. But make sure not to use all remedies at the same time or together.
How Long Can The Baby Stay Without Pooping And Not Have Constipation?
Initially, babies who drink formula milk poop at least once a day, but it is also possible to go without pooping for 1-2 days while not having constipation. On the other hand, breastfed babies may poop more often in the initial weeks as breast milk is easy to digest but later breastfed babies start having fewer bowel movements and are not necessarily constipated.
When To See A Doctor?
If constipation in kids lasts for more than two weeks, if there is swelling in the abdominal part, blood in the stool, or rectal prolapse etc, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Disclaimer: These home remedies to Treat Constipation in Babies and Toddlers that I’ve mentioned in this article are my own tested and tried on my daughter. In case of any unfortunate effect or side effect, and if the situation worsens, you may please consult your paediatrician.
FAQs on Home Remedies For Constipation In Kids And Toddlers
1. How do you stimulate a constipated baby to poop?
You can try various home therapies to try and get your constipated baby to poop. These include giving them a relaxing warm bath, exercising their legs or giving them home food such as fennel seeds for babies along with water.
2. How can I relieve my baby’s constipation fast?
Help relax the rectal sphincter of the baby’s body by placing the baby in a warm bath, which will cause the bowel movement to release. Properly hydrate your baby and consult a physician for any nutrition adjustments.
3. What position helps a baby poop?
You can hold your baby’s knees against the chest, as this will be a good position for naturally pushing out the stool.
4. What is the most common cause of Constipation in Kids and Toddlers?
The most common cause of constipation in kids and toddlers is a diet low in fibre and fluids. When children don’t eat enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and don’t drink enough water, it can lead to constipation.
5. Is It Normal for Toddlers to Experience Constipation?
Yes, it is normal for toddlers to experience constipation occasionally. Changes in diet, potty training, and stress can all contribute to constipation in toddlers. However, if it becomes a frequent or severe problem, it’s essential to consult with a paediatrician.
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