Constipation is defined as the infrequent and painful passage of hard stools. It is commonly misunderstood by many parents, especially during the first year of a child's life. Newborns will have multiple stools a day, and as the newborn matures, the frequency decreases. By the age of 2 months, a breast-fed infant may only have a stool from once a day to once a week. This is normal and the stool will be soft and larger in volume than before. Formula-fed infants will also slow in frequency, but not as infrequent as their breast-fed peers. Babies are often thought to be constipated when they grunt, push, strain, draw up their legs and turn red in the face when having a bowel movement. This behavior is normal for babies and will improve as the baby learns to sit or stand. (A position that facilitates the passage of a bowel movement.) Between the age of 4-6 months, solid foods are introduced to a baby. This addition to their diet can lead to changes in bowel movements and constipation.
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Infants:
* Passage of hard, painful stools AND
* Infrequent stools - usually 4 or more days without a bowel movement
* Possibly tiny amounts of bright red blood on the hard stool
Home Treatment for Infants:
* Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate a bowel movement
* Use a glycerin suppository to stimulate and soften the stool
* If your baby is greater than 2 months, give 1-2 ounces of apple or prune once to twice a day
* If your baby is 4 months or older and on solids, give apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, beans, peas
twice a day - limit carrots, bananas, squash, and apples Sometimes a formula change is needed -
ask your pediatrician
* Continue to breast feed or formula feed as usual
Prevention:
* Watch the diet, not too many constipating foods in the same day
* Some babies need daily servings of prune juice (1oz) or prunes for a few
* Months until they overcome this problem
Call our office if:
* Your baby has extreme pain or if pain persists more the 1-2 hours
* Your baby is still constipated after using home treatment plan for a few days
* Your baby continues to have bloody streaks in more than 1 or 2 stools
* You see a tear or fissure at the anus that won't heal
* Despite use of preventative measures, your baby is constipated
* You have other questions or concerns
