Constipation: How Can You Protect Your Baby from the Pain?

Constipation is defined as difficulties in bowel movements characterized by hard or firm stools and irregular or infrequent bowel movement. It is labeled chronic if the symptoms are present for more than two weeks.

Causes

The causes of constipation in infants and toddlers include:

• Change from breast milk to formulas


• Insufficient intake of fluid


• Low fiber diet


• Metabolic disorders


• Cow's milk or any other ingredient in the child's food


• Certain medications

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of constipation seen in young children:

• No bowel movement in three days


• Stool is hard and looks like small pebbles or is large in diameter


• Gas formation in the stomach


• Pain and discomfort with passage of stool


• Leakage of liquid stool into the child's underwear or diaper

You should call the doctor immediately if the following are noted:

• Blood in the baby's stool


• Stomach ache


• Fever


• Vomiting


• Constipation despite 3 days of home care

Treatment

The following methods may be used to reduce constipation:

• For infants older than six months, a high-fiber diet can be introduced. Increase the child's intake of barley, oatmeal, vegetables especially peas, fruit, and other foods that are rich in fiber.


• For infants between four to six months, drinking 2-4 ounces of water or diluted fresh fruit juices day may work.


• Avoid honey, infant mineral oil, cow's milk, and syrup.


• Remember also that a BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast), which is good for diarrhea, has a worsening effect for constipation.

If nothing works, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.

Help Your Child Cope with Colic

Colic is a health condition characterized by long and repeated bouts of crying seen in otherwise healthy infants. The causes of colic are not known, and though some believe that there is no such thing as colic, acute abdominal pain is believed to cause the symptoms.

While all infants cry, babies are said to be colicky if they cry for more than three hours a day for at least three days in a week in the first three to four months.

Symptoms


Colicky babies may display the following symptoms:

• High pitched crying for long periods in spite of constant comfort


• Irritability and fussiness


• Clenched fists


• Passing gas


• Arched back


• Sleeplessness and exhaustion

Treatment

• Diagnosis – Typically, infant colic subsides after a few months. A thorough medical examination is necessary to eliminate all possible causes. Take your child to a health professional immediately if you suspect that the child is suffering from colic.


• Dietary changes – Colic is sometimes attributed to certain foods or ingredients. Cow's milk is not suitable for some children who are lactose intolerant.


• Use of soothing techniques – Try different methods such as pacifier, baby swings, back massage, etc. to soothe the infant.


• Medications – Some parents believe gripe water and colic drops may help to reduce the child's symptoms.


• Use of Sedatives – Tranquilizers, alcohol, or any drug can adversely affect the child's development and need to be avoided.


• Alternative therapies – Several herbal and alternative remedies are available but the FDA does not regulate most of them. Hence, parents need to exercise caution.


• Parent Care – Parents of colicky babies require some care and attention themselves. To reduce the stress and frustration, parents may take turns to handle the child. Support by family members and friends may be a good alternative.

When to Worry About Dehydration in Your Baby

Dehydration refers to a condition when the amount of fluid in a person's body is less than the ideal requirement. Babies and infants are commonly susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration in babies occurs mainly when they take in less fluid than they lose, typically through vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or perspiration. While dehydration is often mild and easily reversible, sometimes it can also be serious and potentially life threatening.

The following symptoms indicate that your child could be getting dehydrated:

• Your baby does not pass urine for more than six hours.

• Your baby's urine is dark yellow in appearance and smells quite strong.

• Your baby's appears lethargic.

• Your baby's mouth is dry or the lips are parched.

The following symptoms indicate that your baby has serious dehydration:

• Your baby's eyes are sunken in the sockets.

• Your baby's hands and feet feel cold and appear splotchy.

• Your baby experiences dizziness or seems delirious.

Here is what you can do:

• If you suspect your baby is becoming dehydrated, consult a pediatrician immediately. You could give your baby a special electrolyte liquid drink that is designed to help recover lost water and salts from the body.

• If you suspect serious dehydration, rush your baby to the emergency room. Babies get dehydrated quickly and an intravenous infusion may be necessary to restore the balance of fluids.

Note: Do not give your baby one of the sports drinks that are advertised to help sportsmen cope with dehydration; while these contain electrolytes, their sugar concentration is too high. Use Pedialyte, Infalyte, ReVital, or similar brands of electrolyte liquids that are specially designed to help rehydrate children. You may continue to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby.