Dealing with Baby Constipation: Tips and Natural Remedies
- Nini Yeala Haimovich
- Apr 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2024
Constipation in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Hi friends,Welcome to my blog! I’m glad you’re here, and I want to start by saying I understand how tough it can be to watch your little one struggle with constipation. As parents, it can be heart-wrenching to see them uncomfortable, fussy, or in pain.
Constipation in babies can make them restless, irritable, and unhappy, which often leaves us feeling helpless. We feed, cuddle, and comfort them in every way we know, yet sometimes the only thing that will truly bring a smile to their faces is a good bowel movement.
Why Does Constipation Make Babies Uncomfortable?
When a baby hasn’t had a bowel movement in two or more days, it can lead to a sense of physical discomfort. This is due to the accumulation of waste in the intestines, which may result in symptoms like:
Bloating
Gas
Stomach pain
Decreased appetite
Spitting up food
What Is Constipation?
Infrequent bowel movements (every three days or longer).
Straining or difficulty passing stools.
Hard or pellet-like stools.
A sense of incomplete evacuation.
Common Causes of Baby Constipation
Teething
Dietary change
Medications/supplements
Illness/fever
Stomach virus
And more.
A particularly common occurrence is constipation after starting solids. The gut bacteria in your baby’s digestive system need time to adjust to new foods, so constipation after introducing solids is a natural reaction.
How to Relieve Constipation in Babies Naturally
Let’s explore some natural remedies for baby constipation, including traditional remedies, Chinese medicine techniques, and dietary tips. 1. Aromatherapy Massage with Essential Oils
Massage is a soothing way to relieve constipation and stimulate bowel movements. Here’s how to create your own massage oil:
Mix 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed almond oil or calendula oil with:
1 drop of lavender essential oil (for babies over 4 months old) or
1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil.
For babies older than 4 months, you can combine both lavender and chamomile essential oils for more effective relief. If you don’t have essential oils, plain almond or calendula oil will work too.
2. Key Massage Techniques
Here are four targeted massage techniques for relieving constipation:
Circular tummy massage: Use your fingertips to make gentle, clockwise circles around the baby’s belly button for 2–3 minutes.
Colon pathway massage: Start just below the belly button and gently massage upwards, across, and down along the path of the large intestine.
Meridian massage: Massage the baby's forearm, from the fingertips up to the elbow, following the path of the large intestine meridian.
Lower back massage: Gently rub the baby’s lower back and sacrum area in circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
3. Warm Bath
A warm bath can help soothe your baby, relieve pain, and relax the muscles, including those needed for bowel movements. Allow the baby to lie on their back and move their legs in a cycling motion, or gently press their knees toward their tummy.
4. Babywearing in a Carrier
Using a baby carrier positions your baby in a way that encourages natural bowel movement. The closeness to your body provides comfort and relaxation while easing their discomfort.
5. "Happy Baby" Yoga Pose and Leg Exercises
Try gentle movements such as:
Happy Baby Pose: Help your baby lie on their back and gently hold their feet while bending their knees.
Bicycle Legs: Move your baby’s legs in a cycling motion to stimulate the digestive system.
6. Dietary Tips for Constipation Relief
If your baby’s constipation is related to dietary changes, here are some adjustments to try:
Start solids gradually with easy-to-digest foods like pureed sweet potato or carrot.
Increase fluid intake, especially water.
Offer small amounts of warm water with a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of tomato juice (from cherry tomatoes).
Avoid constipating foods like dairy and processed products.
For breastfeeding moms: Pay attention to your diet, as certain foods can affect your baby’s digestion. Avoid foods that cause bloating or discomfort, like beans, broccoli, and spicy dishes.
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