How do I know if my baby has irregular or hard stools?
Each baby is different when it comes to the frequency of their bowel motions. But it is not the frequency but rather the type of bowel motion that matters. A baby that has small, hard, infrequent bowel motions may also strain or have difficulty passing them. They may have colic pains due to stools remaining in their body and they might also go off their food. Because passing the motions may hurt, your baby might also subconsciously try and stop making bowel movements too, which can make the problem continue.
What causes hard stools?
Hard stools may be due to a number of things including a change of diet, not enough fluid a medication or a minor cold. Hard stools are rarely seen in breast fed babies because breast milk is more easily digested.
We have put together some helpful tips below that may help your baby produce softer stools and have a more comfortable digestion.
What can I do to help my baby?
There are several things you can do if your baby has hard stools.
- Give your baby extra drinks of cooled, boiled water (30-50mL) between feeds.
- Under feeding may lead to hard stools – make sure you are feeding your baby enough to satisfy their growing needs.
- If your baby is formula feeding, make sure you make up the formula correctly (read the label instructions carefully) as too much infant milk power will make the feed too concentrated.
- Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction after a warm bath. Some baby oil on your hands may help. Only continue if your baby seems relaxed and comfortable.
- Move your baby’s legs in a cycling motion.
- For babies over three months of age, some diluted prune juice can be given for a short period of time. Ensure you discuss this with your health care professional first.
To make prune juice: in a small saucepan, bring to the boil one cup of water with four or five moist, stoneless prunes. Simmer, covered, for 10-20 minutes or until prunes are very soft. Rub through a clean, fine sieve. Discard pulp in sieve. Reheat prune juice to the boil, tip into a sterilised container, cover and refrigerate. Use within two days or cool, then pour juice into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Give baby one teaspoon of prune juice mixed with one or two tablespoons of cooled, boiled water a day. It is important to stop using prune juice once regular bowel motions return.
If you have any worries about your baby’s health, it’s always best to talk to your health care professional.