Is your newborn baby struggling to make a bowel movement? You're not alone. Here's some tips on how to help a baby poop if he or she is constipated. This happens often and likely has nothing to do with you. However, pooping is important and a sign your baby is doing well. Therefore, not pooping can be a sign something is wrong with your newborn. Every parent needs to know how to make an infant poop without causing further issues.
Call the Doctor Not pooping could be nothing, but it also might be an indication something is wrong. Your first step should be a phone call to the pediatrician. Your baby can be examined and weighed to find out what’s going on. Sometimes constipation or inability to poop can indicate low breast milk production or that Baby isn’t getting fed often enough. It also may indicate a food or formula allergy, dehydration, or something more serious. Only your baby’s doctor can determine these issues. How Often Should a Newborn Poop? Most newborns will poop between 8-10 times per day because of their need to feed often. Missing a few of these isn’t usually a big deal. However, a parent should never hesitate to call the doctor if a newborn hasn’t had a bowel movement in 24 hours. If tips on how to help a baby poop aren’t working, this could be an indicator that something is wrong. Also, baby’s stools should not be too firm. Soothing Motions With Tummy and Back Rubs Sometimes, all it takes is the right motion or rubbing of the tummy. Some people will naturally want to bounce a fussy baby up and down. However, this is the wrong move for a cranky baby, especially one with an upset stomach or constipation, since it can worsen the symptoms. Instead, lie Baby across your lap on their tummy. Very gently sway your legs back and forth as you pat baby’s back softly. Also, gently massage baby’s sides. Repeat the same motion with Baby on their back, rubbing the tummy instead. Make sure the head is supported the whole time and your motion is gentle and not fast. This should help your newborn poop or at least make them comfortable until they can. Warm Cloths Can Be Stimulating If the above method doesn’t work, try placing a warm (not hot) cloth on Baby’s tummy and back. Do this for a few minutes at a time at the usual times Baby poops. Sometimes, a bowel movement may be more firm than Baby is used to, causing the baby to get stressed out and resist the urge to make a poop. The warm cloth can soothe the area and help the baby and their bowels relax more. Corn Syrup and Juice Warning for Newborns Infant juice can be used to ease constipation in infants over 2 months of age (who will take a drink other than formula and can support their head - water is thin and may pose a choking risk to younger infants). However, this method should never be used for a newborn baby. To help a newborn baby poop, instead use safer methods. Newborns can choke on juice, water, corn syrup, and other liquids that are not breast milk or approved infant formulas. A corn syrup and water mixture should not be used for any babies, for several reasons. Constipation in a newborn baby is painful and can be a cause for concern. Hopefully these tips to help a newborn poop will prove useful. But again, never hesitate to contact your baby’s doctor for the best advice and also if Baby hasn’t pooped at least once in a 24 hour period. More on Infant Constipation and How to Help a Baby Poop: 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation Crying Baby with Colic? Soothing Sounds Plus Bonus Tips to Comfort a Colicky Baby
It's three o'clock in the morning and your baby is not happy. You check all the usual needs. It's not yet time for a feeding. The baby does not seem to have gas. The pacifier is not satisfying him. You then check to see if the diaper is soiled. Now you know why the baby is upset. He is uncomfortable, due to a diaper rash. But, you have a problem. You have no diaper rash ointments and the stores are all closed.
Having multiple children, I've been there a time or two (or more). Don't worry. Those over-the-counter products are not always the best for baby's skin anyhow. Many home diaper rash remedies are simple to prepare and very effective. Below are three of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. You likely have at least one of these home diaper rash remedies on hand already. An oatmeal bath is one of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. This simple homemade diaper rash remedy takes away the itching and discomfort. It also helps to heal and soften the skin. To make an oatmeal bath suitable for home diaper rash remedies, you'll need an adult-sized tube sock and some old-fashioned oats. Generic brands work just as well as brand names. Fill the tube sock about halfway with the old-fashioned oats. Then, tie the open end with a knot. Run the bathwater as usual. Swish the sock around in the water for about 30 seconds. Remove the sock from the water and squeeze the excess liquid into the water. Then, give the baby a bath as normal. This method works in a baby bathtub or regular bathtub. Use the appropriate bathtub for your baby, depending on his or her age. Another of my favorite home diaper rash remedies, homemade baby powder, has been around for centuries. Home diaper rash remedies are often very simplistic in nature, but many are effective as well. For this homemade diaper rash remedy, it is no different. All that is need for homemade baby powder is flour and a saucepan. Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup of flour. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until lightly browned. Pour into a cup. Test the flour before applying to baby's diaper area. The flour should be warm to the touch, but should not be warm enough to irritate the skin. This should be applied after each diaper change. This home diaper rash remedy helps to soak up excess moisture. Excess moisture is a leading cause of many different types of diaper rash. While a common ingredient in over the counter baby powders, talc (or talcum) can be harmful when breathed into a baby's lungs. Milk of Magnesia (commonly used as a treatment for heartburn) is also on my favorite list of home diaper rash remedies. This simple home diaper rash remedy only requires a bottle of milk of magnesia and a soft cloth. Simply apply milk of magnesia to the affected area with the soft cloth after each diaper change. Allow the area to fully dry before placing a clean diaper on baby. Note: These home diaper rash remedies are for common diaper rashes. Diaper rashes due to a bacterial or viral infection must be examined by a licensed medical professional. If a baby's diaper rash is not improving, see a licensed medical professional. These tips are intended for informational purposes only. RELATED: How to Prevent Diaper Rash Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally Diaper Rash Treatment * I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans network. She is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! Running a network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is her top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, this awesomely crazy family conquers the world, managing Intent-sive Nature while going on Upstream Parenting adventures & lessons, sometimes in an RV. They strive to cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, they settle for rescue dogs and cats. By supporting us, you support a single parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to and/or stands for several causes, including homeless pets, homeless people, trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature goes toward worthy causes. For guidance in the world of freelance writing or for advice on her specialty topics, Ask Lyn. Archives
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