Constipation in babies is not a very common problem. However since infants defecate in the lying down condition pooping is more difficult due to lack of gravitational support. So, constipation occurs when food habits transition from breastmilk to formula and then to solid foods.
Pellets like poop or hard stools are the main symptoms of constipation in babies. The frequency of bowel.movement may reduce. Infants may cry due to not being able to pass stools. Try natural remedies before reaching out to medicines.
Prune juice is a natural laxative and is extensively used for constipation in babies. Go for it.
Table of Contents
- Causes and Signs of Constipation in Babies
- Can You Give an Infant Prune Juice?
- How to Use Prune Juice for Babies
- Tips and Precautions
Causes and Signs of Constipation in Babies
Babies fed with breast milk generally pass their stools normally and do not have any constipation. However, babies on formula are more prone to hard stools.
Even if the formula is changed, the baby may get constipation symptoms. Some formulas may give rise to constipation in some babies and others do not. So it is a good idea to experiment with different formulas to select the best one for your baby.
Introducing solid food is one of the most prominent causes of constipation in babies. This is because their digestive system is not matured yet. In such cases you can delay introduction of solid foods by a few weeks or even a few months.
You may notice the following symptoms if your infant is constipated.
- Pellet shaped poop
- Crying while pooping
- Reduced frequency of passing stools
- Inability to poop
Can You Give an Infant Prune Juice?
Yes, you can but with conditions.
Whether you can give prune juice to your baby for constipation depends largely on the age of the baby. If you baby is on breast milk then your baby will generally not get constipation.
When a baby is on formula milk then she can begin to get hard stools. This is the time when water alone can resolve their constipation problem.
When your infant grows a little older and introduced to solid food then constipation gets worse. According to Mayo clinic such grown up infants can benefit from 2-4 oz of prune juice.
There are many natural remedies for constipation in babies, but prune juice is one of the most popular. It has sorbitol which is naturally laxative. It not only helps to get rid of constipation but also is a good source of iron, potassium and many vitamins and other nutrients.
It is also much safer and side effect free remedy as compared to chemical based medicine.
Even other natural remedies like psyllium for constipation is not recommended until the baby is completely on solid food and her digestive system is matured.
How to Use Prune Juice for Babies
You can give prune juice to your bay in many different ways. Some of the most common ones are as under:
1. Prune Juice in Baby Formula
You can give prune juice alone with a spoon to your baby. The baby may not like the taste and reject it. That is why first introduce prune juice in the baby formula. Then later you can try prune juice alone once the baby becomes familiar with the taste.
You can add 1 tablespoon of prune juice in baby formula or pureed prunes in solid food.
2. Prune Juice with Water for Babies
When your baby is on breast milk on a formula then she generally doesn’t require any more liquid. There is no need to give additional water or prune juice unless advised by a doctor.
Slightly older infants can be given additional water as their fluid requirements increase. According to Mayo clinic 2-4oz of water during the day may help in reducing the symptoms of constipation. You can add 1 tablespoon of prune juice for better effect
- add one tablespoon of prune juice to 100ml of water
- mix well
- feed the child with spoon
3. Prune Juice With Apple or Pear Juice
Other juices like apple and pear juice also work effectively to cure constipation in babies. You can give different juices at different times for the child to develop a variety of tastes while getting relief from the problem.
The following prune and pear juice works well.
- Add 1 teaspoon of each prune juice and pear juice in 100 ml of water
- Mix well
- Give it to your baby with spoon
Tips and Precautions
Infant constipation is rarely caused by any underlying condition. Therefore constipation of your baby should not become a major cause of concern for you.
Try prune juice Apple juice apple juice and their combinations to get rid of constipation baby.
However in spite of using all the natural methods if constipation still persists and particularly accompanied by vomiting and weakness then contact your pediatrician.