Constipation can be classified as infrequent, hard bowel movements that are difficult to pass.  Passing stools may be straining and even painful.  Bleeding may occur.  Abdominal pain is noted more often than not, and swelling of the abdomen may occur.  Children may take a long time to pass a stool, pass either large quantities of stool at once or small pellets or clumps of pellets if they are constipated.  There may be leakage or watery stools.  Small stool marks may be noted in the child’s underwear.  In more severe cases, your child may present with fever and vomiting.

Regarding babies, there is no such thing as “normal” stool habits/routines.  “Normal” may be one stool in 7-10 days, or 7-10 stools in one day.  If the baby is passing stools comfortably, and stools are soft, then there is no reason for you to be concerned.

Home remedies for constipation

Babies:

• Add 0.5 – 1ml Olive oil to all feeds if the baby is being bottle fed.
• Give Probiotic drops at least daily. This may be increased to twice a day.
• Make use of a paediatric Glycerine suppository only when needed, not more than twice a day.
• If the baby is already on solids, you can add Olive oil to food as well.
• Add a little prune juice to the babies formula (only for babies over 4 weeks)

Children:

• If your child is still receiving milk in a bottle, add 1-2ml Olive oil to each bottle.
• Add Olive oil to meals where possible.
• Make use of a paediatric Glycerine suppository only when needed, not more than twice a day.
• Give Reuterina drops or chews at least daily. This may be increased to twice a day.
• Dietary changes may be called for. Foods to avoid in children who suffer from constipation include the following:  apples, bananas, carrots, corn, dairy products, nuts, rice, white bread and potatoes.  Bowel-friendly foods include the following:  apricots, plums, citrus, prunes, flax oil, raisins, grapes, salad, green veggies, whole-grain bran cereals, peaches, whole-grain breads.
• Potty training may lead to constipation. If you find that this may be a reason for your child’s constipation, rather stop and try again in a few weeks.

When to make an appointment to see your paediatrician

• In the event where you have tried some home remedies, and your baby or child is still suffering from constipation.
• Severe abdominal pain, with or without fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting.

What will your paediatrician do?

• An abdominal X-Ray will be done in order to determine the severity of the constipation.
• Physical examination will be performed to rule out any other causes for your baby / child’s symptoms.
• Treatment will then be prescribed according to findings.
• In severe cases, your baby / child may be referred to a paediatric gastroenterologist for further management.

Check for allergies