Safe and Effective Constipation Relief for Newborns and Infants

Becoming a parent is a beautiful journey. Seeing your infant laugh, crawl, and walk is a beautiful part. But as a parent, if you see your infant suffering from any pain, then it becomes highly challenging as the baby cannot tell its difficulty. However, infant constipation is something that discomforts your child and turns your child's happiness into sadness. In addition, some foods cause constipation in babies. Therefore, many people suggest giving gripe water to the baby or mashed bananas, too. But the main question that arises in the mind is what is the best fruit for constipation through which your baby will not face any such discomfort. In this blog post today we will find out about the ways and fruits through which your infant's growth will be better.

For Babies : Home Remedies that are Safe for Constipation Relief

Constipation in infants is common and can be safely treated with a number of natural remedies. Some of the safe and effective baby constipation remedies are:

1. Change your baby's formula 

   Some infants have softer stools when they consume drink formula from the concentrate powder base. But before that, consult your paediatrician for guidance before swapping. So, changing your baby's regular formula to a low-iron formula is not recommended as the iron levels in infants.

2. Give your baby fruit juice

   If your baby is at least a month old, then you can give your baby a bit of juice that draws fluid into the intestine and helps in loosening stool. While fruit juice is not suggested for babies in case of constipation, it offers roughly a tablespoon of juice to your baby's bottle once or twice a day.

3. Gripe water

   According to your baby's age, you may be able to give your baby 2-4 ounces of water, as this water will soothe the digestive muscles of the baby.

4. Baby Exercises

   Some babies, when they try to poop, often suffer a hard time squeezing their stomach muscles and relaxing the rectum at the same time. Moreover, try to relax your baby's anus and bicycle their legs, and gently press the knees down to their tummy a few times.

5. Different Foods

   Foods such as beans, broccoli, plums, and rice can bind a baby up. These foods are high in fibre and can help in getting your bub's pooping back on a regular schedule. Moreover, consider substituting barley cereal, through which your baby's health will be proven.

6. Give your baby a massage

   If your baby feels constipated, then you can try to give a massage to your baby. You can start by using your fingertips to draw an oval underneath your baby's belly. However, you can also move your fingers clockwise, which follows your baby's digestive tract. Take your fingertips diagonally by forming an X from one side of the baby's belly to another. You can repeat this process as per your baby's requirements.

7. Use a thermometer trick

   If massaging or exercising doesn't work, then you can insert a vaseline-greased thermometer just one-half to one inch into the baby's anus. It will not hurt the baby, so don't worry about it. Babies usually respond to this by bearing down to push the object out.

Best Fruits or Dried Prunes to Give Baby to Relieve Constipation

1. Pear

   Pear is high in vitamin C, and it relieves any discomfort and constipation. A few drops of pear can be given to the baby to relieve constipation.

2. Berries

   Berries are rich in antioxidants and are an excellent food for infants as they provide relief from constipation.

3. Prunes

   Prunes are fruits that are rich in fibre and are a great source of multivitamins. It helps in reducing constipation in infants. Prunes should be soaked overnight and given to babies first thing in the morning. As this fruit aids smooth bowel movements in infants, it will help in relieving constipation.

Wrapping it Up

Constipation in babies is a common issue and can be managed by several fruits and foods. If your baby feels discomfort, then you should first check the symptoms and start with physical activities like gentle leg exercises and tummy massages that will support digestion. Several fibre options like rice, peas, beans, and prunes will help in relieving it. Also, don't forget to ensure that your baby stays hydrated and introduce fibre-rich foods that gradually increase bowel movement. Regular observation of your baby's eating habits can help in maintaining digestive health.