Stomach pain, bloating & co.: typical signs of constipation in babies

As with most adults, a baby's bowel movement timing and frequency soon settle – many parents know after the first months roughly when a full diaper is due. It is completely normal if your baby doesn't have a bowel movement every day has. Especially breastfed babies often go several days in a row without soiling the diaper, completely without symptoms. It is equally normal if your breastfed infant has bowel movements several times a day. Once your baby's gastrointestinal tract has further developed at around six months and you begin introducing solid foods, the stool changes as well. It becomes firmer, changes in smell, and the frequency adjusts. If your baby then fewer than three times a week bowel movements, you should possibly watch for early signs of constipation:

• Crying or pain before a bowel movement

• a hard belly, sensitive to touch

• firm, ball-shaped stool that only comes out with great effort

• bloating, foul smell

• loss of appetite as an accompanying symptom (lack of appetite can, however, have many other causes)

By the way, very loose stool can also indicate constipation – namely when hard stool blocks the intestine so that only liquid stool can be passed.

Gentle relief: what helps babies with constipation

If you notice that your little one has digestive problems, simple home remedies often help to relieve constipation. We show you how to do good for your child's gut and quickly alleviate discomfort.

Fiber-rich foods

Usually the first cases of constipation only occur when your child begins to eat solid food. The gut has to get used to processing nutrients differently and this can sometimes lead to bloating, stomach pain or constipation in little ones. With these stool-loosening foods, digestion gets back into gear:

• chopped grapes, pears or plums

• dried fruit

• plenty of water and unsweetened tea

• steamed vegetables, such as pumpkin, cauliflower or broccoli

• add healthy fats like avocado or olive oil

• flaxseed

• carefully dosed lactose in yogurt

Warmth and movement

If your baby's tummy hurts, warmth and gentle movements also help. Place a warm wheat bag on the belly or give them a bath. Afterwards gently massage baby oil into the skin, ideally in circular motions. This movement stimulates digestion and relieves cramps.

Another tip: Take your little one's legs in your hands and move them as if cycling. If your child can already walk, encourage them to be very active on their own. A typical walk to aid digestion also helps even small kids.

If you notice that your child wants to push, you help them by placing their feet against a hard surface. Also loosen the diaper so the tummy is free. That makes the process considerably easier.

When should you take your baby to the pediatrician for constipation?

This question is probably asked by some worried parents. In cases of severe constipation, a medical intervention may be necessary. Before you give your child laxative medications, you should speak with a pediatrician first. If your little one is troubled for several days and you cannot resolve the constipation with home remedies, a call to the doctor's office is recommended. Also, the following occurrences require medical assistance:

• in case of abnormal stool color, such as white or red

• in case of persistent, prolonged digestive problems accompanied by abdominal pain

• in case of inflammation in the diaper area

• in case of loose (watery) stools with symptoms of constipation

• if your baby is clearly in pain that does not subside easily

Causes of constipation in babies: How to prevent it:

The causes of constipation are in most cases related to diet. But also an infection, teething, stress or medications such as antibiotics can cause discomfort. Naturally, it's best if it never gets that far. A balanced diet for your child with sufficient fluids and plenty of physical activity are the best prevention. Make sure that the meals contain enough, but not too much fiber and that you give your child sweets only in small amounts give. Also note the following:

• If you give your baby only bottles, you should never use more formula powder than stated on the package. Too much powder in too little liquid can lead to constipation in your baby.

• Water with a high mineral content (hard water) is not suitable for preparing bottles; instead, boil it or use mild mineral water that is suitable for baby food.

• Avoid constipating foods as first solid foods. Introduce carrots, bananas, rice, or white bread only slowly and in combination.