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Constipation in Babies
What Causes Constipation in Infants?
By Teri Brown
Foods that should be encouraged are fruits such as pears, peaches, plums, apricots and prunes. Fresh fruit placed in a blender can be pureed to a pulp even with the skin on, which provides a great deal more fiber. Dr. McCarthy says that vegetables such as squash, spinach and zucchini can also be good sources of fiber for an infant.
"Fruit or vegetable juices given as an added drink in the diet may also help but should never take the place of a formula or breast milk feeding," Dr. McCarthy says. "Similarly, water may be given to an infant in small amounts (1 to 2 ounces) in between milk feedings to help soften stools."
Another possible cause might be dehydration. If your baby is not getting enough liquids he may become constipated. By making sure your baby is drinking often, you can help him avoid becoming constipated.
Making sure your baby is getting enough exercise is another great way to avoid constipation. Lots of tummy time or setting Baby in a swing or walker that encourages leg movement will help move things along.
According to Dr. McCarthy, treatment for constipation is instituted only if the infant has gone three to four days without a stool. In that case, the infant often becomes uncomfortable and needs help stooling.
"There are maneuvers which parents can do at home to help their infant stool," Dr. McCarthy says. "First of all, with the infant lying on his/her back, bring the infant's legs up in a bicycling pattern to help relax the rectum and to apply pressure to the abdomen. (A knee-to-chest position.) Secondly, using a rectal thermometer lubricated with Vaseline, parents can offer rectal stimulation by placing the thermometer into the rectal vault about 1 to 2 centimeters, which will usually stimulate a rectal contraction resulting i a bowel movement."
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