How to Deal With Baby Constipation

If your baby is grunting and turning a little red each time she has a bowel movement, there̵7;s no need to be immediately concerned. Constipation in infants has a few key symptoms that you can look for to help confirm your suspicions. While infrequent bowel movements might seem like the most obvious sign, it is normal for some babies to go several days between bowel movements. Instead, look for a decrease in your baby̵7;s regular schedule; dry, hard stools; and whether passing stool seems painful for your baby to figure out if she needs a little constipation relief.

Things You'll Need

  • All-natural massage oil
  • Pureed pears
  • Pureed prunes or prune juice
  • Lavender or chamomile baby bath

Instructions

    • 1

      Move your baby's legs in a way that mimics riding a bicycle. This movement and the exercise it provides can help to relieve gas and constipation. You can also put your baby in a stationary activity center (stationary walker) where he can bounce around a little to exercise and help to get things moving.

    • 2

      Massage your baby to relieve tummy troubles. Ensure the room is warm enough and remove her outer clothing. Rub your hands together to warm them and pour a little all-natural massage oil on your hands. Rub the oil in your hands and begin the massage. Place one hand just below baby's belly button and stroke downward with a gentle but firm pressure. Do the same with your other hand, massaging in a hand-over-hand manner that nearly resembles a paddling motion. Next, stroke your baby's stomach in clockwise circles.

    • 3

      Feed your baby pureed pears if he is eating solid foods. Other strained fruits can help too, but avoid bananas, which could potentially make his constipation worse. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether to cut back on low-fiber foods such as rice cereal, and whether pureed or juiced prunes might help to ease your baby's constipation. Water can also help to alleviate constipation.

    • 4

      Give your baby a warm bath to soothe and relax her, which might help to get her digestive system moving. You can add a lavender or chamomile baby bath product to the tub to help make the experience even more relaxing.

    • 5

      Recognize the culprits that might be causing constipation so you can help to prevent repeat bouts of constipation in the future. The introduction of solid foods can cause some babies to become constipated because their stomachs have been accustomed only to formula or breast milk -- the latter of which is easily digestible for a baby's tummy. Furthermore, rice cereal is generally the first food given to babies, and is very low in fiber.

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