Learn 5 quick tips to help infants and young children overcome constipation.
We all know the feeling. Nobody likes to be constipated and your little one is no different. Constipation can turn your sweet angel into an uncomfortable grump.
Ideally, babies and children (and adults too!) have bowel movements every day. Even exclusively breastfed babies. While it is more commonly discussed that exclusively breastfed babies may not have bowel movements daily, optimal digestion should result in a daily bowel movement.
Bowel movements are important because:
They show the state of your gut health
Help maintain hormonal balance
Remove excess and waste from the body
And are a glimpse into your stress management
Changes in bowel movements may result from food sensitivities, dehydration, lack of movement, emotional stress or trauma.
You might suspect constipation if your little one is showing these signs:
Decreased frequency of bowel movements
Difficulty passing bowel movements; straining, crying, arching back, obvious discomfort, "holding it in" because it is painful to pass
Pellet-like, hard bowel movements
It is always difficult to see your child suffer. Here are 5 tips to help encourage daily bowel movements and overcome constipation:
Remove food sensitivities
Some common foods that may irritate the gut and cause constipation are dairy, gluten, and processed/fast/fried foods
If breastfeeding, mom can remove irritating foods from her diet to help soothe baby's tummy
Optimize hydration
For infant's breastmilk and formula are hydration enough.
For younger children, water or water with a splash of fruit juice for flavor can help with hydration
Eat 'watery' foods - fruit and vegetables like cucumbers are great for helping with hydration
Encourage movement
'You move, poop move.' The bowels are more likely to move when the body also moves. Exercise, stretching, and play can all help with daily bowel movements
Gentle massage
The 'I Love You' Tummy Massage is helpful for all ages of children
Lie baby on their back, face up so that you can make eye contact and smile at each other
Start massage on baby's upper left tummy, stroking downward for "I" - repeat 5x
Next draw "L" starting on baby's upper right tummy, moving towards the left and then downward - repeat 5x
Finally, draw upside down "U" starting at baby's lower right tummy - repeat 5x
Repeat as needed. This is a gentle massage, especially when working with an infant, the pressure should be like you are picking up a ripe tomato
Additional benefits of tummy massage include:
May soothe gas
May help to ease constipation
Promotes relaxation
Promotes bonding with mama / dad / caregiver
Chiropractic
Pediatric chiropractic care helps to ensure the nervous system can work without interference. That way the brain and body [organ systems, muscles, and all tissues] can communicate effectively.
Stress can cause interference in normal nervous system function. By helping to remove the stress, the body can do what it does best!
It is common for parents to report bowel movements after pediatric chiropractic adjustments.
These tips often work very well and quite quickly. If constipation continues, please consult with your child's medical provider.
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