My 5 month old has not passed a stool in 2 days,
how do I treat constipation?
Constipation is defined as the infrequent and painful passage of
hard stools. It is commonly misunderstood by many parents, especially
during the first year of a child's life. Newborns will have multiple
stools a day, and as the newborn matures, the frequency decreases.
By the age of 2 months, a breast-fed infant may only have a stool
from once a day to once a week. This is normal and the stool will
be soft and larger in volume than before. Formula-fed infants will
also slow in frequency, but not as infrequent as their breast-fed
peers. Babies are often thought to be constipated when they grunt,
push, strain, draw up their legs and turn red in the face when having
a bowel movement. This behavior is normal for babies and will improve
as the baby learns to sit or stand. (A position that facilitates
the passage of a bowel movement.) Between the age of 4-6 months,
solid foods are introduced to a baby. This addition to their diet
can lead to changes in bowel movements and constipation.
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Infants:
- Passage of hard, painful stools AND
- Infrequent stools - usually 4 or more days without a bowel movement
- Possibly tiny amounts of bright red blood on the hard stool
Home Treatment for Infants:
- Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate a bowel movement
- Use a glycerin suppository to stimulate and soften the stool
- Give 1-2 ounces of apple or prune once to twice a day
- If baby 4 months or older and on solids, give apricots, prunes,
peaches, pears, beans, peas twice a day - limit carrots, bananas,
squash, and apples Sometimes a formula change is needed - ask
your pediatrician
- Continue to breast feed as usual
Prevention:
- Watch the diet, not too many constipating foods in the same
day
- Some babies need daily servings of prune juice (1oz) or prunes
for a few
- Months until they overcome this problem
Call our office if:
- Your baby has extreme pain or if pain persists more the 1-2
hours
- Your baby is still constipated after using home treatment plan
for a few days
- Your baby continues to have bloody streaks in more than 1 or
2 stools
- You see a tear or fissure at the anus that won't heal
- Despite use of preventative measures, your baby is constipated
- You have other questions or concerns
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