constipation in babies
Constipation in babies
What is it? What causes it? And how is it treated?
‘Constipation’ is infrequent or irregular bowel movements often accompanied by straining and pain
Constipation in babies some infants may normally pass stools several times a day, while others may normally pass stools only a few times a week
What are the symptoms?
As well as infrequent or irregular bowel movements, a baby with constipation may also display the following signs and symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Lack of energy
Being irritable, angry, or unhappy
Foul smelling wind and stools
Abdominal pain and discomfort
What causes it constipation in babies ?
Constipation in babies and children is quite common, although not usually in exclusively breastfed babies. For example, not feeding enough and not giving enough fluids can cause constipation in babies and children
Medication
Constipation in babies and young children can sometimes be a side-effect of medicines such as:
Antiepileptics, medicines to treat epilepsy
Sedating antihistamines, medicine to relieve the symptoms of allergies, such as itching and inflammation
Opioids, a type of painkilling medicine
If a baby is constipated but has not yet started to eat solid foods, the first way to treat them is to give them extra water between their normal feeds. Formula-fed babies should continue with their normal feeds, and feeds should not be diluted (follow the manufacturers instructions)
Gently moving your baby's legs in a bicycling motion, or carefully massaging their abdomen (tummy) can also help to stimulate their bowels
Babies who are eating solids
Constipation in babies make sure they get plenty of water, or diluted fruit juice. Try to encourage them to eat fruit and vegetables which can be pureed, or chopped, depending on their ability to chew. The best fruits for babies to eat to treat constipation are:
Osmotic laxatives. For example, lactulose and polyethylene glycol (brand name Movicol). These work by retaining fluid in the large bowel by osmosis (so less fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream from the large bowel)
Stimulant laxatives. For example, senna or docusate. These act on the muscle in the wall of the bowel to 'squeeze' harder than usual constipation in babies
