While babies that are fed from breast milk rarely experience constipation, other nourishment methods may be constipation causes. Constipation in infants is characterized by a lack of bowel movement for two days or more, but this can be different depending on how and what the baby is being fed. As the infant ages, bowel movements will gradually decrease and take on a more solid texture. Many parents misdiagnose this reduction as a sign of constipation, but the lowering of bowel movements is quite normal.

Many constipation causes are related to the infant’s diet. The switch between breast milk and formula may be one such cause. As the baby progresses and solid foods are introduced to the baby’s diet, more infant constipation can cause undue worry in parents. Additionally, changes to diets that include a low fiber content or contain higher amounts of diary products may be the underlying cause of constipation. Also, there are specific foods that may increase the likelihood of a baby developing constipation. These foods can include the following: bananas, cereals, pasta, applesauce, breads, white potatoes, and others.

Certain measures can be taken to prevent constipation in infants. Plenty of fluid intake is the main key as constipation can simply be the result of dehydration in many causes. While on a breast milk diet, most babies will not experience any symptoms of constipation as the milk is almost completely digested by the infant. With solid foods, babies should get regular amounts of fiber from fruits and vegetables. Care should be taken as excessive infant constipation can cause bowel movement difficulties later in life. It is in these early stages that babies learn how to control the muscles within their bodies. Some signs that may indicate a more serious condition include crying while straining, bowel movements that include blood, or if the baby is not gaining any weight.

Some exercises can be done once an infant has experienced signs of constipation. A common method that provides relief from constipation is to give the baby a stomach massage. This is completed by gently rubbing the infant’s stomach area in a clockwise direction, beginning at the navel and working outwards toward the outer edges of the abdominal area. This exercise can be combined with bicycle legs for maximum benefit. To perform bicycle legs, the infant should be placed on its back and the legs should moved as if the baby is riding a bicycle. This exercise should be alternated with stomach massages and can help relieve the cause of constipation as well as excessive gas. A diet remedy that may be of benefit is to administer one to two ounces of diluted fruit juice (prune, grape, or apple-prune) twice each day. In addition, warm baths have been proven to be helpful in easing constipation. Most constipation causes can be easily treated by home remedies and require no additional medical intervention.

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