If your infant seems to be constipated, this is likely reason enough to seek medical treatment. Urgent care is often helpful in situations when a baby is unable to have regular bowel movements, especially when you are not able to schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician right away.

So, are you concerned about constipation and your infant? Here's what you should know before your urgent care visit.

Symptoms of Constipation in Infants

The first thing you need to do is learn how to spot the signs of constipation in your child. These signs could be indicative of the fact that your child needs to see an urgent care doctor right away and is not able to wait for the next pediatric appointment.

These are some of the symptoms associated with constipation in infants and young children:

• Infrequent Stools
• Excessive Strain to Pass Stools
• Stools Shaped Like Small Pellets
• Diarrhea
• Swollen Stomach
• Gas

Spotting the symptoms can be especially difficult because infants cannot tell adults what is wrong. It is up to an adult to spot the signs of discomfort.

Urgent Care Treatment for Infants

If your baby is constipated, urgent care can provide some relief. For older babies, an urgent care doctor may offer ways to improve fiber intake, which is possible naturally with healthy fruits and vegetables. Of course, this is not an option for young infants.

For younger infants, it may be possible to add some juice to the child's diet. This softens stools so they can pass through more easily. When you have a breastfeeding infant, this can be a challenge.

After dietary issues, you should consider giving your child a warm bath. Warmth can stimulate the urge to use the bathroom, and it can also provide some comfort if your baby is in pain.

If these dietary issues aren't going to be a good fit, the urgent care doctor may offer a suppository. A suppository with glycerin can be used to stimulate softer stools. It is usually the last tool you should use after you have tried the other steps.

A Warning About Constipation

Never use other substances, like oils or enemas, on young babies. It is important that you speak with a doctor before you use any type of constipation remedy.

If your child is constipated, especially with diarrhea symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. This could be indicative of dehydration or another serious issue.