How to Give an Infant a Stool Softener

Infants are just as susceptible to constipation as older children and adults. If you see your infant struggling to have a bowel movement, or you notice that her stools are hard and compact (sometimes pebble-like), she is probably constipated. A little bit of apple juice will sometimes do the trick, but often a stool softener is needed to make the stools easier to pass. Fortunately, stool softeners are easy to administer and take just a few minutes to work, bringing your infant some much-needed relief.

Things You'll Need

  • Infant stool softener
  • Disposable changing pad
  • Plastic gloves
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a stool softener in the form of a glycerin suppository from your local pharmacy. Make sure that the suppository is labeled for use on infants. These will be the same as the ones made for adults, but in a smaller size.

    • 2

      Lay a disposable changing pad on the floor or changing table where you plan on administering the stool softener. Place your baby on the pad on his back.

    • 3

      Put on a pair of plastic gloves and wipe your baby's rectum with a baby wipe.

    • 4

      Insert the stool softener into the rectum and push it in as far as you can with the tip of your finger.

    • 5

      Hold your baby's buttocks together with your hand for a total of two to three minutes, recommends Dr. Sears. This gives the stool softener time to melt and soften the stools.

    • 6

      Place a diaper on your infant and wait for her to have a bowel movement.

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