Constipitation

The best way for anyone to avoid constipation is to have a good diet, however, regardless of how good we try sometimes constipation still happens.

Constipation is where a person has difficulty passing a bowel movement.

Breast fed babies may go from several bowel movements in the first few weeks to one or two a week and this is normal.

Formula fed babies may tend to have less bowel movements with only going once every 3 or 4 days and again this is normal and no cause for concern.

It is all considered normal until the bowel movement becomes a hard, and possibly even pellet like stool, with a great deal of effort for very little ‘product’ in the nappy.

Some children will only use their bowels once or twice a week and this is still considered normal. Others go everyday.

Each child’s bowel movements will vary.

It’s good to be in tune with your child’s bowel movements. Monitoring them will help to establish a pattern and help to highlight if their is the risk of constipation.

Babies, especially breast fed babies, rarely are constipated. They may go read in the face and look like they are straining to do a poo, this is not constipation.

Generally the stools that come out are soft even after all the apparent effort. It is when it is a hard stool that you may become worried that your baby may have constipation.

Take note: A baby does not need to do a poo everyday.

True constipation in babies is rare and if you suspect your baby has it, it is best to seek medial advice to confirm and to obtain the best course of safe action.

Constipation generally starts occurring once solid foods are introduced. Constipation can be quite common in children.

• If your baby is formula fed the formula may be too strong. You may need to look at the preparation to ensure it is made up correctly as too much formula and not enough water can cause problems. If it seems to persist speak with your Dr about possibly changing formulas.
• It is important to be aware that sometimes changing formulas can cause bowel movement issues, especially a change to a follow-on formula.
• Not enough fluid can cause constipation. In warmer weather babies, both bottle and formula fed babies get all their liquid requirements from the milk. Once they are over 6 months it is possible to start to introduce water.
• The right solids. Be careful the amount of some foods such as legumes- lentils, chickpeas, peas and baked beans and high fibre cereals. These types of foods are not necessary for little ones. Too much can cause tummy and bowel problems.

• Too much milk can lead to constipation. This is generally because a child will fill up on milk and not be eating as much solids, and as a result the lack of fibre rich foods can help to cause constipation.
• Some children will ignore the urge to go to the toilet which can lead to constipation.
• Others will intentionally not go to the toilet for a bowel movement when they are toilet training. It is important to be alert to this before it causes discomfort and possible constipation for your child.
• Lack of exercise.
• Poor diet.

For a baby:

• A hard abdomen.
• Hard to pass pellet like poo.
• Visible signs of pain and discomfort when doing a bowel movement.
• Blood streaked stools.
• Abdominal pain, irritability and gastric discomfort.

In children:

• The child letting you know or displaying discomfort when doing a bowel movement.
• Complaining of a sore tummy.
• A hard abdomen.
• Holding on. This is a perfect sign for a child not wanting to go to the toilet for fear of it hurting.
• Refusing to go to the toilet.
• Even soiling their pants can be a sign on long term constipation.

In babies:

• Try ‘cycling’ your baby’s legs. This can help to move the stool along the intestine and provide some relief.
• If they are eating solids or are just starting solids cut down on the foods that are linked with constipation such as bananas, rice or cereal and carefully, in small doses, increase the amount of fruit and vegetables to help get the bowels moving.
• Plenty of drinks. If they are over 6 months include water.
• Give a gentle tummy massage.
• A warm bath can help to relax tense muscles. They can relax quickly so this may result with poo in the bath but that’s nothing compared to the relief of the baby.
• Only administer medications or drops that are prescribed or cleared by the Dr.

In children or babies who are eating solids:

• Use soft or pureed fruit in yoghurt.
• Use wholemeal flour in cooking.
• Use vegetables grated in various foods such as carrots, zucchini in dishes such as pasta sauces, rissoles, etc.
• Make a fruit smoothie, even using wheat germ (children not babies).
• Use a dash of prune or pear juice to water or a little of pureed prunes to your baby’s cereal to encourage bowel movements. It is recommended to check with Dr or health nurse first for this one as prune juice may contain a bowel irritant and is not suitable for everyone and NOT for babies under 9 months.
• Get moving with your child. If they exercise it can promote the movement of the bowels. A child needs regular exercise.
• Monitor your child’s movements. This can be done with a chart and can be child inclusive to promote healthy toilet routines and bowel movements.
• Don’t use laxatives unless you have consulted your Dr.
• Try to ‘solve’ the constipation as quickly as you can. The longer the child is constipated the longer the discomfort and potentially the harder it is to alleviate.
• Add fibre to your child’s diet.
• Encourage drinking lots of water.

• Adding sugar, salt or rice to formula or foods.
• Introducing foods before 6 months will not alleviate constipation in babies.
• Administer any medication or drops before checking they are OK first with a Dr.