Soap is used by many to treat constipation in infants, since the method does not require visiting a doctor, does not require large financial expenditures, and is also easy to use. The main component used is always at hand in the bathroom and has a quick effect. Soap should not be the main method of treatment, since the main cause of the disease must be eliminated. The product is used once as a mild irritant, and safety precautions should be observed.
Important! Improper actions can lead to burns of the mucous membrane, an allergic reaction and worsening of the condition caused by constipation. In addition, soap does not help get rid of the main problem; it promotes a single bowel movement.
How to choose soap for constipation for babies
But not all types of products can be used, especially for young children. Before choosing soap for constipation in children, you need to carefully read its contents. Preference should be given to a type with a natural composition without the use of additives - this includes household ones. It does not provoke the development of allergies and rarely causes harm to health. You can also use moisturizing soap, it is best to give preference to children's soap.
Important! To cleanse the intestines, it is not recommended to use tar or liquid soap, since they, on the contrary, contribute to drying out the inner surface, provoking the development of anal fissures.
Laundry soap for constipation in newborns
The traditional method of emptying is used only in case of a one-time problem related to the improvement of the functioning of the baby’s digestive organs. Chronic disorders may indicate the presence of certain diseases with the excretory system. Laundry soap for constipation in children can worsen the course and cause a number of negative consequences.
If the problem has arisen for the first time, then you should be careful when using soap. There is no need to use a whole piece; for a newborn, it is enough to rub the anorectal area with soap or a lubricated finger. The remaining particles or small pieces will come out of the anus during bowel movements.
Liquid soap for constipation in infants
Using liquid soap to establish the process of colon cleansing in infancy is extremely undesirable. Most of these types contain aggressive components, dyes, additives and fragrances, which, on the contrary, dry the surface of the intestinal mucosa. Liquid soap, with constant use, provokes the appearance of fissures in the anus, and together with constipation, it often causes bleeding. Therefore, if soap is chosen as a laxative rather than pharmaceutical preparations, then preference should be given to baby soap in solid form, containing a minimum of impurities.
Reviews from experts
Modern pediatricians are inclined to believe that it is quite possible to do without the use of soap when stool retention in newborns occurs. The method is questionable in terms of safety and has no therapeutic effect. And the problem of constipation should be approached comprehensively: find the cause, improve nutrition, and possibly use medications.
Repeated trauma to the rectum can cause inflammation.
This opinion is unanimously supported by pediatricians and doctors of other specialties. Thus, the famous children's doctor Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky, answering a question about the use of soap in children, is negative. According to him, chlorine, which is part of any type of product, irritates the rectal mucosa. And this calls into question the potential usefulness of the method.
Experts who participated in the writing of the book “French Encyclopedia for Parents” recall the concept of “false constipation.” We talked about this problem in the first section of the article. They urge not to worry if the child does not have bowel movements every day, but his condition remains satisfactory, his appetite is preserved, and there is no bloating. It is emphasized that it is undesirable to use suppositories and other methods of irritating the mucous membrane: you should pay attention to the diet.
How to use soap to help your child with constipation
If your baby experiences constipation for the first time, you can turn to soap for help. Take the soap and cut off a small piece, form a small candle, first smoothing the sharp edges with water. Lay the baby comfortably, insert or pass a piece along the inner surface and wait for emptying. If the soap slips out and remains inside, there is no need to worry, it will come out along with the feces, the effect begins in 10-15 minutes. Depending on the age, in addition to capsules from soap remnants, enemas with various decoctions are used. For example, a system based on chamomile decoction has a quick action and anti-inflammatory effect. Defecation is provoked within a couple of minutes.
Important! Any types of capsules prepared on the basis of soap are prohibited for use in chronic forms of fecal stagnation, accompanied by additional symptoms and diseases.
Soap for constipation in newborns
Before using soap on a newly born baby, you need to understand the causes of bowel dysfunction. A newly born baby has no microflora in the intestines, which is formed over time by the ingress of beneficial and harmful bacteria during passage through the birth canal and during feeding. At this time, the work of the intestines is just starting, which leads to a series of constipation with diarrhea. At such times, it is best to avoid using additional bowel stimulation measures, as this can lead to chronic bowel failure later on.
But if it was decided to use traditional treatment, then preference should be given to children's treatment. Lay the newborn on his back, wet his finger in water and lubricate him with a small amount of soap. Treat the opening of the anus in a newborn with several movements; this is enough to stimulate defecation.
Important to remember! Pieces may be unsafe to use. An incompletely formed body may react negatively to a foreign body with an allergic reaction, irritation or even a burn.
Soap for constipation in babies
Despite the fact that infant nutrition is based only on the consumption of mother's milk, there is a risk of constipation. This condition is usually provoked by new foods introduced as complementary foods or consumed by the mother. If an ingredient is identified, then it is enough to remove it for a while.
Soap for constipation in a baby is allowed to be used if the problem has arisen for the first time, the diet of the mother and baby has not changed, and there are no other symptoms. The product is chosen in the same way as for a baby, you need to use a baby product, without harmful impurities. Also, children after one year are allowed to use laundry soap. To establish bowel movements, the baby should be placed on his side. Pre-prepare a candle from soap or lubricate your finger. Insert the capsule into the anus or treat the entrance, the effect occurs after 10-20 minutes.
Important! To avoid irritation or serious consequences, it is not recommended to leave a homemade capsule in the anus; it should be passed along the walls of the mucous membrane. The remaining substance will be excreted along with the feces.
Tips for use
You cannot use any soap product during constipation due to inflammation in the rectum. This can lead to exacerbation of the disease and bleeding.
It is worth keeping in mind that soap is not a medicine, but only an irritant that provokes the release of the intestines. If the body is not able to independently remove food from the body, it is not necessary to suppress the natural functions of the digestive system. In this case, you need to go to an appointment with a gastroenterologist to solve the root of the problem, and not just the symptom in the form of constipation.
Experience has shown that using soap too often during constipation is not a good idea. Many patients too often resort to this method of dealing with problematic stool, which causes irreversible consequences. In addition, soap has long been replaced by a wide selection of available rectal suppositories. Even when you urgently need to empty your intestines, it is better to use safer and gentler folk recipes.
Soap for constipation in a child aged 3 years
The occurrence of fecal stagnation in children over three years of age is usually associated with abnormal nutrition and non-compliance with the water regime. It is possible to get rid of the problem by adjusting your diet and eliminating harmful and astringent foods. In the absence of additional diseases and a problem arises, for the first time it is allowed to use products intended for a baby up to one year old. In addition, it is allowed to use weak solutions of soap and herbal decoction as an enema. To do this, you need to brew a herb, such as chamomile, add shavings of baby or laundry soap and wait until it cools to room temperature. Lay the child on his side, pour in a soap solution using a small medical bulb, the effect begins in 2-5 minutes.
Preventive measures
There is no need to wait for signs of the disorder to appear as they can be prevented by:
- Before feeding, the baby is placed on his tummy for a few minutes;
- exercises are performed daily;
- the child receives enough fluids;
- The baby is often placed on the chest;
- Follow all the pediatrician’s recommendations to normalize the gastrointestinal tract.
Home enema, soap suppositories, laxatives - these are therapeutic measures that are not suitable for everyone. It is necessary to know in advance how to help the baby, and for this you need to talk with the pediatrician, discussing the basic issues of nutrition, care, gymnastics, massage, water regime, introduction of complementary foods and special formulas for babies. .
How to use soap for constipation in a newborn
It takes time to establish bowel movements in a newborn; in addition, you need to use safe elimination methods: massage, stroking the tummy, and improving the mother’s nutrition. But if there is no bowel movement for several days, you can help the baby with soap.
How to use soap for bowel dysfunction (safe and effective methods):
- Homemade candle. Separate a small piece from household soap (with the lowest percentage of alkali) or baby soap. Wet your fingers with water and smooth out the sharp edges, forming a smooth capsule. Lubricate the entrance to the anus or insert a candle and wait for 5-10 minutes.
- Enema. Brew a teaspoon of chamomile with boiling water, grate a piece of soap on a fine grater and add to the broth. Wait until the shavings are completely dissolved and the composition is ready for use. The action begins in a couple of minutes.
Important to remember! Soap in any form should not be used to relieve constipation if there is constant stagnation of feces, the presence of diseases of the digestive system and the presence of additional symptoms.
What to consider
Only a few of the listed factors indicate that the child is constipated. Therefore, if feces appear in the form of hard balls, with a delay of 1-2 days, and the baby cries a lot, this is constipation. If bowel movements do not occur every day, but the consistency of stool is within normal limits and the child grunts and strains, this is normal. Most babies kick their legs and strain their whole body, pushing feces out. For the first year of life, this is the norm, since intestinal functions are just developing. Therefore, if a child behaves calmly and smiles, eats and farts regularly, then he does not need any additional stimulation, and even more so there is no need to put soap in his butt.
How to make a candle from soap for a child for constipation
Making a candle from soap is quite simple. Cut a small slice from the block that does not have sharp edges. Wet your fingers and shape the soap into a candle shape. To eliminate stagnation of feces, the capsule should be small and oblong. Then you should insert it into the anus or lubricate the intestinal mucosa with several movements. Even a small piece of soap for constipation in a newborn can empty the intestines in a few minutes.
Important! The use of soap capsules is a rare and extreme case. Stagnation is often caused by a number of diseases that require drug treatment.
Is it possible to do a soap enema?
No less effective, but safer than candles, a way to get rid of constipation are soap enemas. Alkali dissolved in water does not come into contact with the intestinal walls. For the solution, use laundry or baby soap for adults, baby soap for children.
Microenemas for long-term constipation
Microclysters are indicated for prolonged constipation. Compared to conventional ones, they do not cause pain or discomfort due to the small volume of infused liquid.
In order to soften the stool, a soap base will be used. You need to mix 50 ml of warm water and 20 g of grated baby soap. The composition is drawn into a syringe, the tip is lubricated with Vaseline and, in a supine position, it is inserted into the anus. No later than a quarter of an hour after infusion of the composition, the action of the microenema will begin.
Cleansing enema based on herbs and soap shavings
The product requires the following components:
- 10 ml linseed oil;
- 20 g of soap without additives;
- 15 g dried mint;
- 30 g nettle;
- 60 g chamomile flowers.
You need to fill the collection and soap shavings with ½ liter of water and let it simmer over the fire for about an hour. After this, the solution should be cooled to room temperature. Since a large volume of liquid is used, you should use an Esmarch enema to avoid discomfort.
The ingredients used help heal damaged mucous membranes and relieve inflammation. In addition, they protect and cleanse the intestines from stagnation. The method should be used no more than 2-4 times a year.
How to insert soap for constipation in a newborn
If there were no other ways to empty the newborn’s bowels, and a decision was made to use homemade candles, it is important to know all the nuances of how to insert soap. Before the procedure you need to do the following:
- Remove the packaging from the soap.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Using a knife or other clean object, break off a small piece the size of a match head.
- Give the fragment a rounded shape, without any sharp edges.
Before using a soap suppository for constipation, you need to know:
- The introduction of a homemade capsule is not deep, 0.5 cm.
- The piece of soap should be small.
- The introduction is carried out with dry, clean hands.
- Pushing into the anus is soft and effortless.
After preparation, lay the baby on his side and insert the formed capsule shallowly into the anus. Sometimes, to cleanse the intestines, it is enough to lubricate your finger with soap or make several movements along the mucous membrane. If a piece accidentally remains inside, it’s okay; it will come out along with the feces during a bowel movement. There is no need to try to get it out; this can only cause injury and pain to the newborn.
Important! If during the procedure the baby experiences discomfort and noticeably resists the process, you need to stop the action.
Instant emptying indicates the correctness of the action and the effectiveness of the method. But you shouldn’t resort to it more than once every few months. If there is no result, you should not re-insert the soap or use a larger piece, as this increases the risk of complications.
Additional factors
Even if your grandmothers and mothers strongly recommend it to you, do not rush to insert soap into your butt. It’s better to evaluate the condition of your baby using the following criteria:
- Consistency of stool - if you observe individual, hard lumps that are difficult to move and each subsequent one takes a lot of time and effort, then this can be considered constipation. The second option is when a sausage is formed, but it consists of dense lumps. If at the same time the newborn is very worried and cries, then we can talk about constipation.
