Why Choose Home Remedies for Constipation in Babies?
Mother and child.
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The lucky babies who are breastfed get a natural laxative from their mother's milk, making constipation much rarer in them. However, it can still happen, especially in formula-fed babies. Dealing with a constipated baby can be tough, and while medicine might be necessary at times, it's best to start with natural remedies to avoid overuse of medications in such a tiny body.
If your baby is constipated, these home remedies can make them feel much better without using any medication. Let's see some tried and tested solutions.
1. Leg Movements in a Bicycle Pattern
Exercise
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Movement is a natural remedy that helps stimulate digestion. Move your baby's legs in a bicycle motion. This can help activate their bowel movements and make them feel instant relief from constipation.
2. Apple Juice
Apple juice
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The common cause of constipation in babies is the lack of fiber. Apples are full of soluble fiber, especially pectin, which is excellent for easing constipation. Give your baby a small amount of apple juice, and it can do wonders for their digestion.
3. Warm Bath Soothes and Relaxes
Warm water bath
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A warm bath is one of the most soothing treatments for your baby's muscles, especially the stomach muscles. The warmth will relieve the tension caused by constipation and give your baby instant comfort.
4. Coconut Oil – Natural Laxative
coconut oil
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Organic coconut oil can be an amazing addition to your baby’s diet to treat constipation. For babies over six months, adding 2-3 ml of coconut oil to their food can do the trick. For younger babies, gently apply coconut oil around their bottom to relieve discomfort.
5. Tomato Juice for Fiber Boost
tomato juice
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Tomatoes are a great source of fiber and can be used to help relieve constipation in babies older than six months. Boil a small tomato in a cup of water, let it cool, and then strain the juice. Give your baby 3-4 teaspoons of this juice once a day for a natural fiber boost.
6. Fennel Tea for Digestive Relief
Fennel seeds are highly recognized for their digestive benefits. To make fennel tea, boil 1 tsp of fennel seeds in a cup of water, cool it down, and strain it. You can provide this herbal tea to your baby 3-4 times a day to get relief from constipation. If your baby is less than six months old, you can have fennel seeds yourself to improve the digestion of your baby.
7. Papaya – The Fiber Powerhouse
Papaya is fiber-rich. In case your baby is above six months, puree or mash the papaya and give it to them so that it might regulate the digestion of the child.
8. Hydrate Them
One of the leading causes of constipation is dehydration. Provide ample liquids for the baby throughout the day. These can include water, milk, fruit juices, or soups. It may help them not be constipated.
9. Belly Massage to Stimulate the Digestive System
Child
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Gentle massage around the lower abdomen of your baby can stimulate your baby's digestive system and may help with constipation. Massaging their belly in a clockwise direction a few times a day may be very helpful.
10. Pureed Foods for Easy Digestion
For infants older than six months and still on breast or bottle, introduce pureed fruits and vegetables. These foods have a high fiber content and can help in reducing constipation by enhancing digestion.
