Pooping has always been a major headache of parents. Not only because it smells, but the fact that they have to check whether it’s normal or otherwise should be of utmost importance. If your baby is constipated, he or she will cry because of the pain in her belly; and the way your kid poops will bring in so many problems too.
Your child will be uncomfortable and would have blood on her stools. If that’s the case, dear parents, it’s time to take action! Try giving your child some prune juice. It’s the most natural thing that can combat constipation.
How to know if your baby is feeling constipated?
Your child will wince in discomfort of having an upset stomach. He or she will make strained faces because the intestines are all notched. Other signs can be any of the following:
- Hard stools
- Less bowel movement
- Colicky baby
- Stops eating food
- Fidgeting because of discomfort
- Bloody stools
- Cries when stomach is pressed or touched
- Baby strains
All in all, consider how regularly your baby poops from time to time. Does your little kiddo poop after eating? Two hours? Two days? If it’s beyond the norm, you’ll know it’s constipation.
What happens when baby is having constipation? Other than having bloody stools and difficulty in pooping, it can affect your child in various ways.
- Lack of sleep due to discomfort in tummy. So, better have it checked!
- Feverish state because of low immune system. Take your baby thermometer and check your kid’s temperature.
- Colicky child. Your baby will fuss and cry because that’s the way he or she can communicate his or her pain.
- Lack of appetite. Due to discomfort in his tummy, the child will avoid eating at all costs.
- Excessive drooling due to dehydration
Noticed the problems in your kid? Constipation affects your child not just in his pooping ways.
Reasons why your baby is getting constipated
For a child dependent on milk formulas, it’s often hard to see the reason why, except the probability of being lactose intolerant. Or, the possibility of the formula itself. However, there are other reasons why your kid gets constipated.
Dehydration
Low in water means you child’s body organs cannot function properly! Water helps soften the stool and eases his or her intestines. It will also assist the flow of stool flushed out of the body. If your child is low in water, that means the body is slow to process toxins and wastes.
Formulated milk
It’s uncommon to see babies having problems with their milk, given that it’s their first sustenance. But, there’s always the possibility of having ingredients that can’t digest in your kid’s stomach. When that happens, constipation begins.
Transition from solid foods
If your baby is new to solid foods, you can expect lots of constipation moments from your child. It’s the stomach’s way of getting used to the food your kid is digesting. But that does not mean you’ll leave alone like that.
Offer prune juice for a natural way to relieve constipation
Prune juice provides the best remedy to a constipated baby. It is packed with fiber conducive to their digestive system. However, it is best to offer prune juice when you child reaches six months of age unless doctors have stated otherwise.
Can I really give my child some prune juice?
Yes. The juice is rich in fiber as well as Riboflavin, Niacin and Vitamins C, B6, and K. It will you’re your child healthy and boost its immune system too. However, keep in mind that children below six months old aren’t allowed to drink it yet because their digestive system has not been formed well at that moment.
Offer 2 to 4 ounces of prune juice to your baby at a percentage of 25% of juice and 75% of water a day. You can give up to 5 ounces when your kid reaches nine months. Never attempt to let your baby drink as much as 6 ounces when’s he or she is below one year old.
Are there any side effects of drinking prune juice?
Prune juice is known to loosen the stool. If taken too much, it may cause baby diarrhea. It’s best to dilute it first with water before the baby drinks it. Another option parents can do is mix the dilute to baby’s milk formula.
Parents can give their child some prune juice if the problems persist and accordingly to their doctor’s supervision. It’ll take two to four hours for the drink to take effect on the baby.
Can you make your prune juice for baby at home?
Absolutely! Below is how to prepare and give the juice to your child.
How to make prune juice for your child
There’s so many ways to collect prune juice and offer it to your baby. We have three options to give to you in a way that is conducive for your situation.
Alternative #1
You can buy organic prune juice in the market, but make sure you limit the juice around four to eight tablespoons. Add a cup of water to the juice to dilute it. You can give two to four ounces of the drink to your child or mix it in his or her milk drink.
Alternative #2
Cook organic prunes for 20 minutes and collect the liquid. Get about six tablespoons and dilute it with water or mix with milk formula.
Alternative #3
Blend a small handful of organic dried prunes and mix with water. Collect the juice.
So, there you go. You now have your prune juice. Just talk it out with your doctor first, okay? See your baby all well and happy in the next few days!
Author Bio: Sarah Clark is the woman behind GiantMommy.com who provides parents and expecting mothers that ‘eureka’ moment in their lives when dealing with pregnancy and babies. When she’s not writing her blog, you can find her playing with her baby or cooking and reading magazines. You can get all your practical guides at her site or maybe form a community of mommies there!