Prune juice is commonly used to treat constipation, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians recommend prune juice to relieve constipation in infants, children and adults. When giving prune juice to infants, it's important to give the correct dosage, as too much could cause your baby harm. Ask your child's pediatrician how much prune juice you should give and how you should give it to your infant.
Defining Constipation
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D., with Mayo Clinic, explains that a constipated infant has hard, dry bowel movements. Constipation is not the number or lack of daily bowel movements. Sometimes parents may confuse lack of bowel movements for constipation. When your infant is constipated, she will have very hard, dry bowel movements and her stomach may even feel hard. If it is painful for her to pass a bowel movement, she may cry out in pain and show signs of strain when going to the bathroom. Signs of strain include bearing down; her face may turn red as she holds her breath while bearing down, and she may only pass a very small pebble-like stool or two at a time.
Relieving Constipation
Dr. Hoecker recommends offering your baby water in addition to his feedings, as even infants can become dehydrated. Sometimes hard, dry bowel movements are an indication that your baby just needs more fluids. Dr. Hoecker states that parents should start by offering 2 to 4 oz. of water and gauge the baby's response to the additional liquids before increasing or decreasing the amount of water. If your baby doesn't seem to respond to water, Dr. Hoecker next recommends trying prune juice, apple or pear juice. Again, start with 2 to 4 oz. of prune juice and determine whether your baby needs more or less.
Prune Juice
Your pediatrician may recommend diluting the prune juice with water or mixing it with breast milk or formula. It's important to ask your pediatrician what he recommends for your infant. If your pediatrician recommends diluting the prune juice with water, milk or formula, ask him for a proper ratio. Straight prune juice may be too concentrated for an infant who is only 3 months old.
Considerations
Transitioning from breast milk to formula can cause constipation. If you notice that your baby isn't getting enough fluids, try mixing formula with your pumped breast milk to help your baby get used to the new taste.
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