How to Treat Newborn Constipation

Many newborns pass a first stool within 24 hours after being born. Babies who suffer from constipation have trouble with this. They either have infrequent stools or dry, hard stools that cause painful straining and are difficult to pass. Newborn constipation can be very uncomfortable for the baby while concerning you. Treat baby's constipation to make he or she feel better.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know that during the first few days of life, a baby passes meconium, which is a dark green or black substance. By the third day, regular bowel movements should begin. A baby who continues to pass meconium or have irregular bowel movements may not be eating enough.

2. Understand that a recent switch from breast milk to formula could be the culprit.

3. Experiment with different formulas if your baby is bottle fed. Different ingredients may affect your baby's digestion in better ways than others.

4. Add bottled water to each of the baby's bottles for a day to see if this adds the fluids he or she is lacking.

5. Change baby's feedings to more frequent times throughout the day so the belly is digesting less amounts.

6. Bathe your newborn using aninfant tub or sink, drawing water to just above the stomach level. As the baby relaxes in the water, try massaging his or her stomach--this can stimulate a bowel movement. Be prepared as the baby may go in the bath.

7. Ask your pediatrician about helping baby by using glycerin suppositories, liquid glycerin or flax oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Start tracking baby's feeding schedule and diaper changes as these are important details to share with your pediatrician.

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