Oh dear, your little one hasn’t had a bowel movement in a couples of days or he is pooping pellets like a rabbit. Why? Well, there are several reason. But most of the time babies become constipated when solids are introduced or a new solid is introduced. There are also certain foods that can aggravate constipation, those are bananas, applesauce, dairy products (such as yogurt, cheese...etc) and rice cereal. However just as there are foods that aggravate constipation, there are foods that help constipation. Those are APRICOTS, PRUNES, PEACHES, PEARS, PEAS and SPINACH. Also, it is crucial that your little one gets plenty of fluids. A little bottle of formula as an afternoon snack can do the trick. But for more extreme constipation, please consult your Ped. They may recommend a bit of Pedialite.
So, now for the fun part, making anti-constipation purees. My favorite puree to help out the poopie factory is Prune Puree. Here is my recipe:
POOPIE PRUNE PUREE
4 organic dried prunes ( I love Newman’s Organic Prunes)
Water
In a small sauce pan boil 1 cup -2 cups of water. Add prunes and cook for about 15 minutes. Take prunes and 1/2 cup of water and pour into blender. Puree until smooth. If puree is a bit thick, add more of the prune water. DO NOT THROW OUT the remaining prune water. I sometimes add a bit to M’s bottle for a bit more reinforcement.
Give your little one some Prune Puree with some prepared baby oatmeal in the morning and maybe a couple of spoonfuls in the evening for three days. Your little one will be pooping before you know it.
DOUBLE WHAMMY PUREE
4 Organic dried prunes
1 Organic fresh apricot
water
Steam apricot for about 10 minutes. Prepare prune puree as instructed above. Combine steamed apricot and prune puree in blender and puree until smooth.
This puree is a delicious way of relieving constipation...and fast. And if you want to take it up a notch...add 1/4 cup of steamed pureed pear to it.