The Secret Ingredient To Help Baby's Constipation

Tummy troubles are by no means unusual for most babies, but you still hate to see your little one suffer. Chances are, you're willing to try almost anything to help your baby feel better. Sometimes home remedies seem like they're worth a shot, especially when your baby is distressed late at night and the pharmacies are closed. With this in mind, does coconut oil help baby's constipation?

Before taking a look at the potential remedies for infant constipation, it's helpful to understand its causes. (Hope you aren't eating right now.) According to Baby Center, anything from formula feeding to the initial introduction of solid foods can cause your baby's digestive system to back up. Basically, the normal dietary changes that come with growing up can do a number on your baby's tummy.

So could coconut oil be the helpful ingredient that soothes your baby's belly? Possibly. Although medical research is scarce, coconut oil is sometimes recommended as a constipation remedy for infants, as noted on Baby Center's community board. Because coconut oil is generally seen as a safe food for infants, according to another Romper article, you may want to consider this option. Feeding your baby a teaspoon of coconut oil just might help ease those persistent digestive problems. That said, it's always smart to check in with your pediatrician for more targeted advice.

In addition to feeding your baby coconut oil, there are many other home remedies you can try to relieve your kid's constipation. Simply feeding your baby fruits, veggies, fruit juice, and water might help your little one get things moving again, according to Parents. Additionally, backing off certain foods, such as rice cereal, may also help the situation, as further noted by Parents. In general, opting for more high-fiber foods is likely a good call. Another favorite trick involves settling your baby into a warm bath and gently massaging the abdomen, as explained on the website for Dr. Sears. Granted, you may need to sanitize the tub afterward, but this just might be the remedy your little one needs.

That said, there is no substitute for a doctor's firsthand advice. If your baby's constipation is worrying in any way, then a trip to the pediatrician may be in order. In the meantime, hopefully your baby's tummy troubles can be soothed by one of these simple tricks.