Constipation In Newborn Babies
Important facts about constipation in newborn babies
Constipation in newborn babies can be difficult for a parent to spot because babies do tend to grunt and strain a lot to have a bowel movement. Some babies also won’t necessarily have a bowel movement every single day, so missing a day does not always mean that your baby is constipated. Every single baby has his own pattern, and you can start looking for this pattern when he is just a few days old. However, remember that these patterns will change as your baby ages.
Recognizing constipation in newborn babies takes a little bit of knowledge and a lot of careful observation from parents. Of course grunting and straining before and during a bowel movement can be a sign of constipation in babies, but not always. Babies do have to learn how to have bowel movements when they are very small, so they often grunt and strain as they are learning to do this. One sure sign of constipation in newborn babies is when they grunt and strain but produce no bowel movement or a very small one. Also bowel movements that result in tiny pellets can be a sign of constipation in babies.
There are many different possible causes of constipation in newborn babies. Babies that are on formula instead of breast milk are more likely to be constipated. This is because breast milk contains the perfect balance of fat and protein. If you believe your baby’s formula is causing constipation, then you should talk to your pediatrician about switching brands. It’s quite possible that a different brand of formula will work better for your baby.
Another cause of constipation in babies is the introduction of solids into the diet. Any change in diet will likely cause constipation in babies, and introducing solids usually involves rice cereal, which is extremely low in fiber. You may also find that constipation in babies is caused be dehydration. If you’re not giving your little one enough fluids to drink, then she may become constipated.
Stress can also cause constipation in newborn babies, so you should consider carefully if there are any changes in the home. Travelling can also cause constipation in newborn babies just as it can in adults.
If none of the above changes are going on in your little one’s diet, then you should consider that your baby might be sick. It’s quite rare that constipation in babies is caused by an illness, but it can happen, so you should talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned.
There are a few things you can do to help your baby have a bowel movement if the constipation goes on for a time. You might try an infant massage, which involves rubbing baby’s belly in a downward motion and across the large intestine. In extreme cases of constipation, your doctor may tell you to stimulate your baby’s rectum with an anal thermometer. However, this method should rarely be used because you may inadvertently teach your little one that you’ll cause his bowel movements, which will prevent him from learning how to do it himself.