Causes Of Constipation In Babies

If your baby is upset and crying, they may be constipated. In this article, we will tell you what the main causes of constipation in babies are and how you can relieve your baby’s discomfort.

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What is constipation in babies?

The immaturity of the infant’s intestinal tissue is one of the main causes of constipation.

Constipation is a common problem in children. In fact, it is a frequent reason for consultation with a pediatrician, as between 0.3 and 8% of children suffer from it.

Although there is no clear definition of constipation in babies, a baby is generally considered to be constipated when:

• The number of daily bowel movements decreases. Some children have stools four to five times a day, while others have it once a day or even every other or third day.
• The baby has trouble emptying the bowels because their stools are “hard”.

• The baby has pain when emptying the bowels.
• There is a variation in the consistency of the stool. Generally, their feces come out in small spheres.
• Your baby has flatulence and colic.

So what are the possible causes of constipation in babies? The problem can only be treated when the cause is known. That said, let’s now look at the possible causes.

Causes of constipation in babies

Before we move on to the causes of constipation in babies, it is important to note that most breastfeeding babies do not suffer from this disorder. In fact, they often have stools several times a day, even after each breastfeeding. Their stools are generally liquid (or very soft) and have a yellowish-orange color.

Here is what can cause constipation in other cases:

1. Breastmilk substitute

Some children are more likely to develop constipation in response to the proteins in the breast milk substitute. According to a study published by the Journal of Pediatrics :

Getting started on infant formula can also generate this discomfort. You can find a product suitable for mild constipation in the market. Contact your doctor to choose the replacement milk that best suits your baby’s needs.

Also read: Are pacifiers and feeding bottles harmful to your baby?

2. Supplementary food

Another cause of constipation in babies is when starting supplemental food from a breastfeeding baby. Introducing new foods can cause constipation, although it is true that babies do not usually eat a lot of solid foods in the first few months.

Remember that the first foods you need to incorporate into your baby’s diet are vegetables and fruits. Follow your pediatrician’s advice to prevent constipation or complications, such as food allergies.

3. Weaning

Weaning babies from diapers is a common cause of constipation.

Some children suffer from constipation when they get used to using diapers. Having to use the potty can lead to stress and even rejection in some babies. This in turn can lead to self-induced constipation by resisting the urge to make big because they do not want to go on the pot.

4. Dehydration

When parents start supplemental food, they start giving their baby water. Some babies probably do not drink as much water to begin with, and since milk intake is reduced, dehydration can occur, especially in the summer.

If the baby does not get enough fluid in, their stools may harden, making it harder for them to empty their bowels. There may even be small sores in their anus (you may notice traces of blood when you wipe your baby’s butt).

5. Medical problems

Here are some of the most serious causes of constipation in babies:

• Botulism. This disease is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is potentially fatal. One of its symptoms is constipation.
• Congenital hypothyroidism. The baby either does not have a thyroid gland or their thyroid gland is not functioning as it should or is not sufficiently developed.
• Metabolic disorders. Some inherited diseases that involve some form of immobility can be an indirect cause of constipation.
• Food allergy. An allergy is the body’s excessive reaction to what it considers an attack. Symptoms can range from hard stools and difficulty emptying the bowels to diarrhea.

• Hirschsprung’s disease. It is a disease of the colon that causes problems passing feces.

Four tips to relieve constipation in babies

Some techniques such as massage can help your baby pass stool.

If your child is very upset and in pain, or if you are very worried about them, do not hesitate to go to a pediatrician. They will give you some recommendations to relieve your baby.

Here are some tips you can implement as preventative measures or solutions to constipation:

1. Massage

Massaging your baby’s tummy can help improve bowel passage. Massage the baby’s abdomen gently but firmly with the palms of your hands and apply a light pressure.

Also read: Learn about the best massage for a baby

Encourage your child to move

If your baby can crawl, let them do it. All forms of movement will help improve their bowel passage. You can even help them by moving their legs up and down as if they are riding a bicycle.

3. Vegetables, fruits and fiber prevent constipation in babies

If you are starting with supplemental food, include vegetables, fruits and fiber in your baby’s food and reduce foods that can cause dry stools, such as bananas or rice.

4. Make sure they drink enough fluids

Make sure your child drinks enough milk and water. Remember that if you do not, your baby’s stools may harden and prevent stools.

The causes of constipation in babies are very varied and can sometimes be difficult to detect. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.