Constipation is a common health concern in infants. While occasionally the sign of a more serious medical condition, it most often results from a change of diet, for example, when the child begins solid foods, starts a different brand of formula, or eats new foods. If your child is constipated, their stool will be hard, dry and possibly pebble-like. You may notice a reduced frequency of bowel movements. Your baby may also strain or look uncomfortable just before passing her stool. Dietary remedies, including herbal treatments, can help clear up infant constipation. Remember that herbal remedies can be quite powerful and their use needs to be monitored carefully.Talk to your pediatrician for more information.
Before Using Herbal Remedies
Before you resort to an herbal remedy or supplement, try a few dietary adjustments first. Verify your child isn't dehydrated -- this can be a major contributing cause of constipation. Try giving your baby an extra bottle or two of water a day in addition to their normal diet. If your baby is eating solid foods, cut down on items that can exacerbate constipation such as rice cereal and bananas. Instead, add an extra dose of fiber to their diet in the form of whole grain crackers or cereal, graham crackers, broccoli or beans. You can also add laxative foods to the mix. Dr. Sears recommends apricots as well as purees of "the four P's -- prunes, pears, plums, and peaches." Prune juice is also a time-honored option.
Psyllium
If dietary changes alone don't suffice in relieving your infant's constipation, you can choose an herbal laxative dietary supplement such as psyllium husks. Psyllium husks are the outer coatings of seeds from a plant native to India. They are indigestible and contain a great deal of mucilaginous soluble fiber, which results in a laxative effect. Use one teaspoon a day, mixed in with cereal or yogurt. Add extra water to your child's diet as well.
Flax
Another alternative is flax oil or flax seed. The seed is preferable as it contains fiber, whereas the oil has a more mechanical laxative effect, coating the intestines and allowing easier passage of stool. Flax in either form is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Try one teaspoon of flax oil a day or one tablespoon of flax seed meal. You can mix either of these into cereal or add them as an ingredient in a smoothie. "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child" suggests cooking oatmeal, a high-fiber food, in flaxseed tea as another constipation remedy.
Aloe
Aloe vera juice is another natural laxative suitable for infants. It's stronger than either flax or psyllium. Use one tablespoon a day, mixed with fruit juice or applesauce. Use aloe juice that is labeled food-grade and does not contain any aloe rind. The rind is too powerful for infants and can cause cramping and diarrhea.
Licorice
Licorice tea is a mild natural laxative as well, and it can be safely consumed by infants in small quantities. Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of tea with juice or fruit puree, once a day. You can also use three drops of licorice tincture diluted in 1/4 cup liquid -- water, breast milk or formula. Do not give licorice remedies to a child with high blood pressure.
References
- Ask Dr. Sears: Constipation
- Mayo Clinic: What Are the Signs of Infant Constipation?
- BabyCenter: Constipation
- "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child"; Janet Zand, Robert Rountree, et al; 2003
