Home Remedies For Constipation In Babies

Constipation is one of the very general problems seen in babies. It makes  them fussy and they undergo a lot of discomforts. Signs that baby is constipated are:

• Crying a lot
• Not feeding or eating properly
• Straining while bowel movement
• Firm belly
• Bloating

It is important to notice the early signs and give the required treatment.  One thing I want to mention here is that formula fed babies are constipated more as compared to breastfed babies. My baby was combination fed (breast milk+ formula milk) till six months. Once I started semi-solids and now solids, I stopped using formula milk and that solved the problem instantly.

Baby younger than 6 months:

If the baby is less than six months of age, nothing can be given to him/ her, not even water. However, there are few remedies a mom can follow (breastfeeding mothers).

• Eat papaya daily
• Drink fennel seeds water once a day
• Boil water with carom seeds (ajwain), and drink water in regular intervals
• Stay hydrated
• Have a pinch of asafetida (hing) after every meal

Baby is Six months plus

As semi-solid food is started after six months, there are some foods that can be given to baby for an easy bowel movement.

• Water is introduced at six months which definitely helps in proper digestion and hence treating constipation.
• Prunes
• Papaya mash (after 7 months)
• Pear mash (super food)
• Plum
• Peaches

Cut down on constipating foods like rice, bananas, and cooked carrots. The fruits can also be given in a combination of twos. Prunes are dried plums and should be given in small quantities. The fruits contain a lot of fiber and antioxidants, which are very helpful to cure all digestion related problems.

Apart from these, light massage on stomach in a circular motion, moving baby’s legs in cycling motion and tummy time prove to be very helpful.

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