How to Relieve Infant Constipation

Help your constipated baby

Infant constipation is a concern for most new parents at some point during the first year of their baby's life. Just because your baby hasn't messed his diaper in three days doesn't mean he's necessarily constipated. Babies, especially breastfed babies, have less frequent bowel movements the older they get. But, if you're convinced your baby is suffering from constipation there are some things you can do to help relieve him. Read on for how to help a constipated baby.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   A constipated baby can find great relief by simply moving his legs. Lay your baby flat on his back. Take one leg in each hand and move it in the bicycle motion. This can relieve the pressure of constipation and can help to get things moving.

2. 

   Gently massaging your baby's belly can help with constipation, too. Move your hand in a small circular motion around the belly button area. This also helps to relieve any gas in your baby's belly.

3. Formula fed babies get constipated far more often that breastfed babies. To stop infant constipation, try switching formulas. Nestle Good Start is a good one to try for babies who have stomach and digestive issues.

4. 

   If your baby has recently started solid foods take note of what makes him constipated and stop offering it immediately. Apples and bananas are often recommended as first foods, but they are commonly linked to baby constipation. Rice cereal may also be slowing down your baby's digestive system. Switching to barley or oatmeal cereal often helps a constipated baby.

5. Prunes help a constipated baby

   Feed a constipated infant pears, peaches, plums, apricots and prunes. Small amounts of apple juice and prune juice will also help a baby who hasn't pooped in a few days.

6. 

   Use a rectal thermometer to get things started. The stimulation usually helps a constipated baby find some relief within a few hours. If you're not comfortable using the thermometer method, have your baby's pediatrician do rectal stimulation to cure constipation.

7. There are baby laxatives, suppositories and enemas on the market specifically for severely constipated infants. However, before you go this route check with your baby's doctor to make sure they're safe to give to your baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping your baby hydrated will help keep him from getting constipated. However, once your baby is suffering from constipation, water isn't likely to help push the stool through.