Tips for Relieving Newborn Constipation

A couple of years ago I needed some tips for relieving newborn
constipation when my niece asked me to keep her infant daughter while she
returned to work. I never had any children so her mother had to tell me what
to do when the baby was constipated.

Since then Ive asked some mothers how they dealt with newborn
constipation. I learned that one of the reasons for infant constipation is the
iron contained in infant formula; some babies dont need the additional
iron. Some babies have allergies, usually to formula, which can cause
constipation, although one woman shared that her son was actually
allergic to the water she was using to mix his formula with.

In no particular order, here are some of the best tips for relieving
newborn constipation:

Fruit Juice

Diluted apple or prune juice is one of the more popular methods for
relieving infant constipation that I heard. However, it shouldnt be used
for infants under 3-4 months, and should always be diluted. The acid
content of some fruit juices can contribute to diaper rash unless diluted
with water.

Karo Syrup

Another of the more common cures for newborn constipation is Karo corn
syrup. Some used the light or dark corn syrup, while others insisted
that only the light corn syrup should be used. Mix 1-3 tablespoons of
the syrup in a bottle of warm water. NOTE: Since corn syrup has been
linked to obesity, you may want to limit its use.

Applesauce

Once the baby is taking baby food, applesauce will usually keep them
regular, and they also enjoy the flavor. If the baby is too young for
baby food, try mixing a little applesauce with rice cereal and diluting it
so it can be drunk out of a bottle.

Oatmeal

One woman found that her babys constipation would be eased when she
fed him formula to which oatmeal baby cereal had been added.


Massage

Massage can be accomplished in two different ways. The first is to use
a bit of baby lotion and use the tips of your fingers to gently massage
the belly and lower abdomen. The second method is to bend the babys
legs so the knees press gently against the belly. This can be done with
both legs together or one at a time in a "cycling" motion.

Glycerin suppositories

Glycerin suppositories will work when all other methods have failed.
That is actually what my niece had me use on her daughter. The
suppository would be gently inserted into the rectum, then her legs would be
"bicycled" placing light pressure on the lower belly. Usually within a
matter of one or two minutes she would have a bowel movement.

One of the most important tips for relieving newborn constipation was
the necessity of seeking medical attention should home remedies fail to
work. There may be something more going on and failure to get medical
help could result in long-term problems.