Be aware that breastfed babies can often go a week without pooping. [2] X Research source Formula fed babies can also have similar swings. Use the following frame of reference for your baby’s bowel movements: 0–4 month old babies poop three to four times a day on average. After babies start eating solids, that decreases to about one bowel movement every day.
Firm belly that is painful to the touch Hard stools Stools that are difficult to pass Small streak of bright red blood in the stool Straining for 10 minutes without success Pellet-like stools Arching the back Tightening buttocks
Making straining faces Refusal to eat Crying
Use regular tap water or still, bottled water if you like. Put the water in one of your baby’s clean bottles. Only give water once a day, as too much water can be dangerous for babies.
Dilute one part juice to one part water if the juice seems to be too much for your baby. You can also give your baby a little apple juice if she doesn’t like pear or prune juice. [9] X Research source
Give your baby pureed peas or prunes for his meal. Substitute barley cereal for rice cereal. Try the “P” fruits: pears, plums, and peaches. In addition, the “B” vegetables may also help: broccoli, beans, and Brussels sprouts. [11] X Research source
Move your baby’s legs gently and talk to her to comfort and distract her from any pain and discomfort.
Consider massaging your baby during a warm bath. The water should be up to his chest. As the baby relaxes, it may also release his bowels. This is messy, but may be effective at relieving his constipation. [16] X Research source
Sometimes your baby’s doctor may prescribe medications such as MiraLAX or Lactulose for constipation. These medications bring fluid into the colon to make the stools softer and easier to pass. Provide your doctor any relevant information necessary to diagnose and treat the problem. Let him know about dietary changes and what measures you’ve taken to relieve your baby’s constipation. Ask any questions you may have about your baby’s constipation, treating it, and preventing future bouts.
Get the suppository at your local pharmacy. These are available without a prescription. [18] X Research source You can also get liquid glycerin, which you can drop into your baby’s rectum. [19] X Research source Make sure you are using the right type and size for your baby’s age. Insert the suppository as far into your baby’s rectum as you are able. Hold the baby’s buttocks together for a few minutes while the suppository dissolves. Make sure to talk to and comfort your baby so that she doesn’t get scared when you’re inserting the suppository or holding her buttocks together.
Give infants one teaspoon of flax oil every day for constipation.
New foods or milks Emotional distress Insufficient water consumption Insufficient fiber consumption Dairy products like cheese or yogurt Too much of the ABCs—applesauce, bananas, cereal A more serious problem, such as thyroid condition, cystic fibrosis, or Hirschsprung’s disease (though this is rare)
Notice any changes to your baby’s stools or behavior when making these change. Even something like a few hard pellets instead of a runny diaper can signal the onset of constipation.
Yogurt Cheese Applesauce Bananas Cereal, especially rice cereal White rice White bread White pasta
Bran Fiber-rich cereals Whole wheat pasta Brown rice Pears Plums Peaches Prunes Broccoli Beans Brussels sprouts
