What are the signs of infant constipation? And whats the best way to treat infant constipation?
Infant constipation is the passage of hard, dry bowel movements — not necessarily the absence of daily bowel movements. Infant constipation often begins with the transition from breast milk to formula, or from strained foods to table foods. If your newborn seems to be constipated, contact his or her doctor for advice. If your older baby seems to be constipated, try simple dietary changes: • Water. Offer your baby a daily serving of water in addition to usual feedings. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters). Try more or less as you gauge your baby’s response to the water. • Fruit juice. If water doesn’t seem to help, offer your baby a daily serving of apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters), and experiment to determine whether your baby needs more or less. • High-fiber baby foods. If your baby is eating solid foods, try high-fiber baby foods — such as barley cereal and pureed pears or prunes. Avoid
Infant constipation is the passage of hard, dry bowel movements — not necessarily the absence of daily bowel movements. Infant constipation often begins with the transition from breast milk to formula, or from strained foods to table foods. If your newborn seems to be constipated, contact his or her doctor for advice. If your older baby seems to be constipated, try simple dietary changes: • Water. Offer your baby a daily serving of water in addition to usual feedings. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters). Try more or less as you gauge your baby’s response to the water. • Fruit juice. If water doesn’t seem to help, offer your baby a daily serving of apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters), and experiment to determine whether your baby needs more or less. • High-fiber baby foods. If your baby is eating solid foods, try high-fiber baby foods — such as barley cereal and pureed pears or prunes. Avoid
