Natural Baby Laxatives: Safe, Gentle Relief For Infants

Constipation in babies can be distressing for both the baby and the caregiver. It is characterised by infrequent bowel movements, abdominal pain, a firm belly, and hard stools. While it is not usually a concern for breastfed babies, it may affect those who are transitioning to solid foods or having formula feeds. To relieve constipation, caregivers can try home remedies such as dietary changes, exercise, and massages. For instance, caregivers can try giving their babies prune juice, which is a natural laxative, or foods rich in fibre, such as whole grains and pureed fruits and vegetables.

Natural Laxatives for Babies

Prune, pear, or apple juice

Prune juice is a well-known natural laxative and has been used to relieve constipation for a long time. It is made from dried plums, which have a high sorbitol content. Sorbitol has laxative and diuretic properties. The phenolic compounds in prunes and prune juice are also effective laxatives. However, prune juice should be introduced gradually and in small doses, as sorbitol can cause bloating and gas, and prune allergies do occur in a small percentage of people. It is generally safe to give prune juice to children over one year old in small amounts, but it is not recommended for infants younger than one year old unless medically indicated. A good rule of thumb is to give 1 ounce of prune juice per month of life, with a maximum daily dose of 4 ounces, administered no more than twice a day.

Apple and pear juices are also good choices of fruit juice for infants under one year old. For infants over one month old who are only on breast milk or formula, you can add 1 ounce of juice per month of age per day (e.g. 3 ounces a day for a 3-month-old), with a limit of 4 ounces per day. After 3 months, you can introduce prune juice, but no more than 2 ounces in 24 hours. If your baby is not yet eating solid foods, you can give 1 to 2 ounces of 100% apple or pear juice once a day. Stop the juice if their stools become too loose. If they are old enough to eat solid foods, feed them pureed pears, peaches, or prunes instead of giving them juice.

Belly massage

Massaging your baby's belly is a great natural way to relieve constipation. Before you begin, ensure the room is warm and comfortable for your baby. You can warm your hands by rubbing them together or by running them under warm water. It is also a good idea to use a baby-friendly oil or lotion to make the massage more comfortable for your baby. Vegetable or fruit-based oils such as grape seed oil or olive oil are good choices.

Techniques

• Hands of a Clock: Start at 7 or 8 o'clock on your baby's tummy and move from left to right in a half-moon shape, gently pressing and sliding your hands in a clockwise motion. One hand follows the other.
• Paddling: Using the long, broad, pinky-side of your hands horizontally across your baby’s belly, gently press in near the rib cage and slide down the length of the tummy. One hand follows the other.
• Fulling: Lay your two thumbs flat across your baby’s belly, above the belly button. Gently press in and slide your thumbs away from each other.
• I Love You: Starting on the right side of your baby’s belly button, trace the letter 'I'. Follow it by tracing the letter 'L', starting at the top left corner of the baby’s belly and moving across and down the right side. Finish by tracing an inverted 'U' shape, starting at the bottom left corner of the baby’s belly and tracing up, then across the torso above the belly button, and back down the right side.
• Moonwalking: Starting just above the belly button on the left side, gently walk and slide your pointer and middle fingers across the torso to the right side.

Tips

• Always ask your baby for permission before starting a massage and maintain eye contact throughout.
• Start with a very gentle touch and increase the pressure if your baby seems content.
• If your baby is stiffening their arms or looking away, it may not be a good time for a massage.
• It is recommended to wait at least 45 minutes after a feed to reduce the risk of your baby vomiting.
• Place your baby on their back on a soft towel and explain what you are doing.
• Use a product specifically for babies to avoid irritating their sensitive skin.
• Place your warmed hands on your baby's tummy at or below the belly button, using flat palms to gently stroke downward in a circular, clockwise motion.
• Babies like the freedom of movement without a nappy, so you may want to remove it during the massage. Just make sure to have something underneath in case of any accidents.

Dietary fibre

There are two types of dietary fibre: soluble and insoluble. Most plant foods contain some amount of each type, providing specific health benefits. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and helps lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water but helps with constipation.

The inclusion of dietary fibre in a baby's diet can enhance the gut microbiome and keep the digestive system healthy. It is recommended that children aged 1 to 2 years old consume 19 grams of fibre daily, while children aged 2 to 3 years old should get 14 grams of fibre every day. For children under 1 year old, there is no specific recommendation, but it is still vital to their health.

• Grains and cereals: oatmeal, brown rice, barley, whole wheat, maize, quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth.
• Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, beans, edamame, sweet potato, corn, and carrots.
• Fruits: watermelon, muskmelon, apple, banana, strawberries, avocado, blackberries, and raspberries.
• Dried fruits: prunes, apricots, dates, and figs (these should be cooked and pureed for younger babies to avoid choking hazards).
• Pulses and legumes: horse gram, Bengal gram, kidney beans, split peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

When introducing high-fibre foods to babies, it is important to offer a variety of foods in moderation. Start with single-grain cereals for young babies and gradually introduce multigrain meals as they grow older. It is also important to ensure adequate water intake, as fibre needs water to function properly.

Oatmeal, wheat, or barley cereal

Oatmeal is packed with healthy carbohydrates and contains a special form of fibre called beta-glucan, which is particularly beneficial for gut and immune health. It is also naturally gluten-free, but it can be cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains during production, so those with celiac disease should opt for certified gluten-free oats.

When preparing oatmeal for babies, it is recommended to cook it a bit longer and uncovered to help it reach a consistency that is easier for young babies to self-feed. You can also experiment with oats or oat flour in other finger foods such as pancakes, grain balls, meatballs, or muffins.

It is important to note that while oatmeal is generally safe and nutritious for babies, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing new foods to your baby's diet.

Cycling motion with legs

Constipation in babies can be a distressing experience for both the baby and the caregiver. It is characterised by infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools, and abdominal pain. While there are various home remedies to alleviate constipation, one effective technique is the cycling motion with legs exercise, also known as "Bicycle Legs". This exercise helps to stimulate the baby's bowels and relieve constipation.

How to Perform the Cycling Motion with Legs:

• Place your baby on their back: Ensure that your baby is lying comfortably on their back, preferably on a flat surface such as a bed or a mat.
• Hold their legs gently: Take your baby's legs and gently hold them in a half-bent position. This position mimics the pedalling motion of riding a bicycle.
• Move their legs in a cyclic motion: Begin to gently move your baby's legs in a cyclic, pedalling motion as if they are riding a bicycle. Alternate this movement with a tummy massage for added benefit.
• Stimulate circulation and muscle stretch: The cycling motion helps to gently stimulate circulation and stretch your baby's muscles in the lower abdominal and hip area. It aids in relieving constipation and releasing gas.
• Encourage independent movement: As your baby enjoys this activity, they may eventually start performing the cycling motion on their own. This promotes independent movement and can be a fun bonding experience for both you and your little one.

Additional Tips:

• Combine with other remedies: For added effectiveness, combine the cycling motion with legs exercise with other natural remedies such as a warm bath and tummy massage. These activities work together to relax the baby's abdominal muscles, minimise strain, and encourage natural intestinal contractions.
• Consult a paediatrician: While the cycling motion with legs exercise is generally safe and beneficial, it is always recommended to consult your paediatrician if your baby's constipation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. They can provide specific instructions and advice tailored to your baby's needs.

Frequently asked questions