Treating Constipation in Babies

• Feed your baby plenty of fruits and vegetables, in addition to breast milk, formula, or whole milk.
• Gradually increase the amount of fluids in your child's diet. Make sure that he/she drinks plenty of water. Offer him/her diluted juice or plain water several times a day. Increasing the amount of fluids your child consumes can help prevent as well as ease the problem of constipation.
• Giving prune juice to your child, every morning, can help keep stools soft. You can also dilute the prune juice, if you want. In case of any problem, try using apple juice as a substitute. Giving bran cereal is also an option. However, this remedy is suitable for older children and not infants.
• Avoid giving those foods to your child that produce harder bowel movements, such as bananas, rice, white bread products and processed foods. Give him/her extra servings of other fruits and vegetables instead.
• There are several types of laxatives and stool softeners available in the market, made especially for a baby. A powder form of laxative can be mixed into your baby's milk and given to him/her. However, consult your physician before giving any laxative to your child.
• To establish a regular bowel habit in your child, make him/her sit on the toilet seat at about the same time every day, preferably after meals, for about 10 minutes.
• Always feed your baby a diet rich in fiber and fluids, in order to keep his/her stools soft and moving.
• Praise your child when he/she has a bowel movement or sits on the toilet at the planned time. However, do not reward him/her with food items such as candies and chocolates.
• You can make your child comfortable and still on the toilet seat, by ensuring that her feet are placed firmly on the floor or a footstool while sitting. You can also read a story book to him/her or let him/her listen to the radio while he/she is sitting on the toilet seat.