If the baby's feces rarely appear, but at the same time has a normal consistency, do not sound the alarm, because this is just an individual feature of the organism. Constipation in an infant is a sparse, dry and hard stool.
Instructions
Step 1
The frequency of stool in infants varies, so its absence for several days should not be a cause for concern. If the baby eats with appetite, sleeps well and is cheerful in the daytime, a rare stool indicates that his body fully absorbs breast milk.
Step 2
If the child is pushing hard, blushing at the same time, and his stomach is hard, then this is already a reason to think. The most dangerous sign of constipation in an infant is the absence of gas. this may indicate intestinal obstruction.
Step 3
The causes of constipation in a baby can be birth trauma, neurological disorders, an anomaly in the development of the intestine, taking certain medications, and a general decrease in muscle tone. In addition, constipation can be the result of a medical condition.
Step 4
The most common cause of constipation in infants is impaired absorption of nutrients or poor nutrition. When a baby is fed only dairy food, without introducing fiber-rich vegetables into the diet, an excess of fat may appear in his body, from which the feces harden greatly. Also, the reasons for constipation include teething, a change in the usual environment, the introduction of a new type of complementary foods or a violation of the daily routine.
Step 5
A young mother should know how to help a child with constipation, since with prolonged stool retention, intoxication of the body, abdominal pain and vomiting may occur. First of all, it is necessary to massage the baby's abdomen, stroking it first in a circular motion clockwise, and then from the sides to the navel; the exercise "bicycle" can also help to simulate the work of the intestines.
Step 6
Take a warm bath with your baby, immerse him in warm water for 10 minutes, you can breastfeed him at this time. After bathing, wipe the baby with a towel and spread baby oil on his body. The active work of the intestines is facilitated by laying the child on his stomach for a few minutes.
Step 7
You can try giving your child one of the constipation-relieving drinks to drink. For example, raisin water or a weak broth of prunes helps well. Boiled water, on the other hand, contributes to constipation. it lacks mineral salts that contribute to the active work of the intestines. Glycerin suppositories do an excellent job with constipation, they are harmless to the child's body, moreover, they well relieve painful sensations when emptying the intestines.
Step 8
If all of the above methods are not successful, you can mechanically stimulate the intestines. To do this, generously lubricate a cotton swab with baby cream and, introducing it into the child's anus, scroll clockwise several times. Then put the diaper on the baby and place it on the belly.
Step 9
More recently, an enema was considered the most effective way to combat constipation in infants. It was used independently, without a doctor's prescription, barely noticing the baby's problems with stool. Modern experts confirm its effectiveness, but warn that too frequent use of it leads to an addiction of the body to it. Therefore, it is better to use this method only after consulting a pediatrician. A similar opinion applies to the gas outlet pipe.
Step 10
The method of treating constipation directly depends on the causes that caused it. First of all, doctors try to determine whether it is provoked by organic or functional pathologies in the body. In the absence of other symptoms of serious diseases, the pediatrician will only correct the factors that caused the problems with the stool. Babies are most often prescribed lactulose syrup, preparations based on simethicone, glycerin suppositories. Sometimes polyethylene glycol, milk of magnesia or mineral oils are prescribed.
