Constipation in babies is nothing uncommon. It’s normal for your little one to have a hard time coping with the change in food habits that comes with growing age. [1]
Coconut oil can be an easy solution to this problem. The oil is a safe food for infants and may help to relieve constipation.
Read the article to find out more about constipation in babies, the symptoms, and how you can use coconut oil for babies’ constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation in Babies
Babies are vulnerable to changes. As your baby learns to cope with the world, the healthiest option for him is mother’s milk. Mother’s milk has all the natural ingredients that a baby needs to stay healthy and fit.
If a baby does not get enough of his mother’s milk, it may trigger tummy problems. When you start introducing your baby to solid foods, his body may find it hard to adapt to it at first and that’s when issues like constipation can occur.
Also, the baby formulas that you may give your baby can also cause constipation as they lack fiber. [3]
The symptoms of constipation in babies are:
- Irregular pooping
- Relatively hard stool
- Difficulty in pooping
- Distressed baby
If you see even one or two of these symptoms in your baby, you might have a constipated baby. We suggest you talk to a pediatrician first, as your baby’s comfort is the utmost priority. [4]
But if you are looking for a home remedy that is safe and helpful at the same time, you might want to consider using coconut oil for your baby’s constipation.
Why Coconut Oil?
Though there are no particular studies or research established the fact that coconut oil relieves constipation, there are logics that can prove it does.
The key ingredient to a mother’s milk is the medium-chain fatty acids that keep your baby’s bowel system stimulated. A sudden change in diet or absence of mother’s milk can cause irregular bowel movements resulting in tummy cramps and constipation in your baby.
Coconut oil is a storehouse of medium-chain fatty acids that are good for the bowel system. The lauric acid of this oil can help to soften the stool and improve the digestive system.
Also, moderate consumption of coconut oil is safe for babies. [5]
Also Read: Can You Use Coconut Oil for Hemorrhoids?
How to Use Coconut Oil for Constipation in Babies
Though coconut oil is considered to be a safe option for your baby, you need to maintain a proper balance while feeding it to the baby.
Firstly, you have to use virgin coconut oil as other coconut oils may be refined or loaded with harmful chemicals that are not at all suitable for the baby. Virgin coconut oil is the only option you have here.
Secondly, before feeding your baby the oil, you need to run a check for allergies or irritations. Though it is unlikely for babies to have allergies to coconut oil, a little extra measure wouldn’t hurt.
Just take a tiny amount of coconut oil and apply it to your baby’s skin and wait for at least 8-12 hours to see if any reactions or irritations occur. If not, it is okay to use it for the baby. [6]
Lastly, note the amount of coconut oil that you are supposed to feed your baby. If the age of your baby is below six months, it is better to avoid feeding it to him, instead apply some oil around your baby’s anus and massage in a circular motion. This will help your baby to poop easily. [7]
In the case of babies of six months of age or more, try adding 2-3 ml of coconut oil to their food. Wait for 4-5 hours to see if he can poop or not. If he still can’t, add and give him 3 ml more.
Keep in mind; that you can’t give your baby more than three teaspoons of coconut oil a day. We would suggest consulting your doctor before increasing the amount of oil or taking any other steps.
Also Read: 8 Essentials Oils for Acid Reflux in Babies (Safe & Effective)
When to Visit the Doctor
We can’t recommend you to try a home remedy and wait for the results before taking your baby to see a pediatrician.
Babies are sensitive, and we all like to ensure their safety before anything else. Still, if you are stuck at home for some emergency or it is the wrong time for you to contact your pediatrician while you need to opt for a home remedy to comfort your baby, you may try the coconut oil for constipation remedy.
If your baby has other symptoms while being constipated, it is better to go to the doctor first before taking any other steps on your own. While using this remedy, if your baby’s condition does not improve in one or two days, visit the doctor soon.
Tips and Precautions
- Babies are precious. Never try a remedy for your baby unless you feel confident about the fact that he can handle it.
- Some babies are more prone to sensitivity than others. You have to be extra careful with them. So, in such cases, take extra measures for any health conditions.
- If your baby is sick and under any other medications, don’t try any remedies before consulting the doctor.
- In case of any sign of reactions or irritations in your baby, don’t use this remedy.
The Endnote
We all love our babies. But it is tough to be a parent. With parenthood comes lots of responsibilities. It is hard to see your baby suffering from a problem, and you might want to do anything it takes to comfort him.
Coconut oil for constipation in babies is not a research-backed remedy. But the presence of medium-chain fatty acids and their ability to help to improve bowel movement, lead to the fact that it can help ease constipation. [8]
When you decide to take your baby to the doctor, this simple home remedy can help you soothe your baby in the meantime.
Read Next: 12 Home Remedies for Diaper Rash in Babies
