Constipation can be identified when your baby is fussy and uncomfortable and strains to pass a stool or the stools are hard, small pellets, the baby may be constipated.
Most babies strain a bit when they pass a stool, and if the stool is soft and is passed without too much fussing and crying, then the baby is not constipated.
Depending on the type of feeding the baby is taking, the baby may pass a stool after each feed or much less frequently, sometimes going days without passing a stool.
SYMPTOMS:
Less than three bowel movements a week.
Bowel movements that are hard, dry and difficult to pass.
Large-diameter stools
Pain while having a bowel movement.
Abdominal pain.
Blood on the surface of hard stools
CAUSES:
Withholding
Toilet training issues
Changes in diet or routine
Medical conditions
Family history
Medication
Not drinking enough
PREVENTION:
Encourage fluid intake
Promote physical activity
Offer your child high-fibre foods
Create a toilet routine
Remind your child to react to nature’s call
Review medication
TREATMENTS:
To treat constipation one could do the following people:
a dietitian for dietary advice or changes to the diet where it might be needed
Talk to a pharmacist regarding medication to elevate constipation when your baby is already constipated.
Consult with your doctor in cases where your baby is very constipated and in some degree of discomfort.
You should also introduce water when you start introducing solid foods to your baby's diet.
REFERENCES:
Baby Sense; Megan Faure & Ann Richardson
Caring for your baby and young child; Steven P Shelov
www.nutripeads.co.za/solids/constipation-in-baba