Overcoming constipation in babies: home care to medicine

Constipation affecting babies may be more difficult to spot. The reason is, babies only complain of their symptoms through crying. However, you can recognize this condition through reduced bowel habits, looking difficult during bowel movements, or even not defecating all day. So, how do you deal with constipation in babies? If it doesn't get better, is there any constipation medication for babies? Let's find the answer below.

Overcoming constipation in babies at home

Constipation is common in babies and is usually not a sign of serious illness. However, you should not underestimate this condition because the symptoms of constipation can worsen, even lead to complications.

Here are some ways to treat mild constipation in babies with home remedies, namely:

1. Increase fluid intake

Constipation will get worse if the baby is dehydrated. In fact, the body needs more water to soften the stool.

If the body lacks fluid intake, the feces will dry out more, congest and clog the intestines. That is why increasing fluid intake can help treat constipation in babies.

Continue to give breast milk to your little one if he has not been weaned. If you are more than 6 months old, you can alternate breastfeeding by drinking water more often than usual.

Do not give water to babies under 6 months because it can disturb the electrolyte balance in their body. Do not also give juice if he is not old enough, because this will cause other digestive problems for your little one.

2. Choose the right foods

Giving solid food (MPASI) for the first time is often the cause of constipation in babies. Jay L. Hoecker, M.D, a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic said that choosing the right foods can help treat constipation in babies.

You can give apple or pear juice during the treatment. These fruits contain sorbitol and fructose (natural sugars), which can draw more water into the stool so that the texture is softer.

Then, there are pectin fibers and the enzyme actinidain which also stimulates the intestines to move faster, so that feces can be pushed out. Give the fruit juice as much as 60 to 120 mg of fruit juice every day.

However, juice should only be given to babies who have reached the age of 6 months. At this age, the baby's digestive system is able to digest fruit fibers, as suggested by Madhu Desiraju, MD, on the Kids Health website.

Then, if the baby is able to eat solid food, you can give him apple pulp. The way to make it is quite easy, namely boil the apple slices and then mash them in a blender. You can also make pureed peas that are high in fiber and whole grain cereals.

If the cause of constipation is due to lactose intolerance, food allergies, or other medical problems, avoid giving foods that trigger symptoms. Some types of food that are usually avoided are dairy products and foods containing gluten.

3. Take a warm shower and give a massage

Warm baths not only cleanse the body, but are also a way to treat constipation in babies.

The heat from the water can relax abdominal muscles that are stiff due to constipation. That way, the sensation of stomach cramps that your baby feels will improve and disappear. Make sure the water for bathing the baby is not too hot, that is, lukewarm so as not to injure the skin.

Next, give a gentle massage to the baby's stomach. Massage can calm her down so that it can reduce fuss and the sensation of discomfort due to a sore stomach.

4. Make the baby actively move

You may also need to make the baby's body move more actively. The goal is to stimulate the baby's bowel movements to be more active so that it can push the stool out more smoothly.

If the baby is not yet able to crawl or walk, you can lay him on the mattress. Then, hold the baby's feet and move their feet in the same motion as the bicycle pedal.

5. Mothers must be more selective in their diet

Overcoming constipation is not only done by the baby, but also by the mother. Especially in babies who are still breastfed and have medical problems, such as allergies and intolerances.

This is done to prevent the mixing of substances that trigger constipation from the food consumed by the mother in the breast milk. The reason is, some substances can flow into breast milk, for example caffeine even in small amounts.

Some types of foods that breastfeeding mothers should limit or avoid when their child is constipated are dairy products, coffee, soda, and alcohol. If you are worried that the diet you eat will affect breast milk for your little one, consult a doctor.

If your doctor asks you to cut back on dairy products, ask for replacement foods so you don't become deficient in calcium.

Overcoming constipation in babies with drugs

In severe cases, home remedies for constipation may not be effective enough. As a result, you will need to bring your little one back to the doctor. The doctor may give constipation medication for the baby.

Taking medication for constipation for babies is indeed the fastest way to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, not all constipation medications in pharmacies or drug stores can be given to babies.

Usually, the drug given is a low dose of glycerin that is inserted through the anus. This medicine works in a number of ways, namely to soften the stool and help the intestines to push feces out of the body.

The National Health Service, the UK's public health service program, states that babies who have not been weaned should not take medication for constipation.

The use of this drug is likely to cause bad side effects because the baby's digestive system is still not perfect.

Before giving laxatives to babies, the doctor will ensure several things, including:

Babies can eat solid food.
The baby's needs for fluids and fiber are met every day.
Babies are free from lactose intolerance because some medications contain lactose.

So that this method of dealing with constipation in babies is safe, always listen to your doctor's instructions and take the time to peruse the rules of use. If he misses medication, do not give him a dose double, it is better to immediately take the drug with the usual dose.

If still not getting better, further health checks will be carried out. You may experience constipation due to other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism, or Hirschsprung's disease (a disorder of the large intestine).