Constipation Remedies for Babies and toddlers

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Ever since your child is born, all he has to do is– eat, sleep and POOP. In the beginning, it is 5 to 8 diapers a day and then gradually, it reduces to a reasonable number. However, there are times when your child does not poop at all for about a week and that makes every parent worried.

Even though infant constipation is not unusual, it still leaves parents worried. If your newborn seems constipated, contact a healthcare provider for advice. But remember that the frequency of bowel movements varies, depending on an infant’s age and what the baby eats. Whether a baby is breastfed or formula-fed, constipation is very likely to happen in either case.

In most cases, constipation happens when you start introducing solids or changing the formula. Sometimes a change in the mother’s diet affects the bowel movement of breastfeeding babies.

My son had his first constipation when he was about three months. He didn’t poop for five days. Yes, no number 2 for almost a week. It got me worried but then I did something about it.

The easy and quick remedy I used to relieve constipation for my 3-month-old son was vaseline Petroleum Jelly. Read on and find out what I did to relieve his constipation.

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Best remedies or Natural treatments for constipation in babies and toddlers

Babies are likely to get constipated if formula-fed or when they start eating solids. Since babies’ digestive system is not strong yet, it is very common for them to experience constipation due to changes in their diet, formula, a mother’s diet, etc.

If your baby is having issues with chronic constipation, trying safe remedies is the best you can do. Always discuss with your pediatrician if the baby hasn’t pooped for at least three days.

Realistically, infants under six months of age have limited options to ease constipation. Talking about the treatments, here are some natural ways to relieve constipation in babies.

1. Karo corn syrup remedy for constipation

A spoon of Karo corn syrup in milk (breast milk or formula for babies under one year) or without milk is recommended by most pediatricians for easing constipation.

2. Vaseline petroleum Jelly for constipation

Apply vaseline on a clean Q-tip and gently insert it into the baby’s rectal area. This will help soften the sphincter and ease constipation soon. This tip worked for my son at the age of 3 months.

Caution: Do not even try if you are uncomfortable and if you do, be very careful about how far that Q-tip is to be inserted.

How do I use vaseline petroleum?

I applied vaseline petroleum jelly on a clean Q-tip and inserted it in the rectal area, and it worked like a charm, and constipation was relieved later in the day. Even though I was very reluctant to try that, hearing it from other moms, I gave it a shot, and it worked.

I am not a medical professional. These are my suggestions based on experience and are safe to use. I will not suggest anything that can be dangerous for the baby.

3. Gerber prune juice for relieving constipation

You can feed your baby 2 to 3 tbsp of prune juice/pulp or pear juice/pulp only if the baby is 5 months and above to relieve constipation.

4. Gripe water for Constipation Ease

Gripe water is an old way of easing babies’ constipation and other gas-related issues. Many moms see good results in giving gripe water (aka Ghutti) for overall stomach and digestive wellness. Always discuss with your doctor before using over-the-counter products for your child.

Mommy Bliss’s gripe water relieves gas and discomfort for a month old or when babies start eating solids. Also, the nighttime gripe water works wonders and helps babies sleep better through the night. However, the mommy bliss constipation ease is advised for babies six months and older.

5. Try suppository / Glycerine suppositories

Suppositories are vaseline sticks and are easily available over the counter. In chronic constipation, always discuss this with your pediatrician before using suppositories.

For such small babies, thin it in half, enter the rectal area carefully, and do not overdo this process.

6. Massage

Gently massaging the baby’s tummy with olive oil or coconut oil may help soften the muscles around the intestinal tracts. Read more about how you can help the baby with gas issues.

7. Warm Bath

Giving your infant a warm bath might be soothing and help relax the sphincters so the baby can poop easily.

Check out the bathing tips for babies.

What should nursing moms eat to relieve infant constipation?

Improving the diet of a nursing mom is the best and the most effective way to ease a constipated baby.

Although every child is different, what works for one child might not work for another. In most cases, if not all, a breastfeeding mom’s diet needs attention.

Breastfeeding moms should eat more fiber-oriented food like oats and grain-fortified cereal. You can find oats or flax seeds cookies at Costco or use flaxseed in your homemade cookies or add it to a salad bowl.

Moreover, breastfeeding moms should increase their water intake and eat a healthy diet. Here is what breastfeeding moms should eat.

11+ postpartum meals that new moms should be eating

Constipation remedies for toddlers

If you face the problem of toddler constipation, then try the following remedies to ease constipation.

  1. You should give your toddler lots of water to drink.
  2. Try milk with a few drops of olive oil or organic ghee.

3. Prune juice or pear juice. Sometimes orange juice can work too in relieving constipation.

4. Lots of berries like strawberries and blueberries regulate bowel movement.

5. For chronic constipation, try Rosewater. Give 2 to 3 tbsp of rose water to your child. You can try giving it for a few days until you achieve the required results. Including rose water in your child’s diet is ideal for those who frequently face the problem of constipation.

6. Try 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil or almond oil mixed with warm milk at night.

7. Give one tsp of Organic Ghee with warm milk at night.

 8. Have him take lots of fiber (through green drinks- spinach smoothie) and tons of water.

9. You can try children’s suppositories available on Amazon.

Have yourself ready for a huge blowout; there are ways to prevent it in babies and toddlers.

The above-mentioned recommendations are based on real-life moms’ suggestions. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby.

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