Parenting
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How to relieve constipation in babies quickly (and gently)
Cradlewise Staff
Few things tug at a parent’s heart more than seeing their baby struggle to poop. The grunts, red face, or tears can leave you feeling helpless, anxious, and unsure if something is wrong.
When your little one hasn’t had a bowel movement in days or seems uncomfortable, it’s natural to worry about their health and comfort. The good news? Most constipation in babies is temporary and can be relieved with gentle, parent-approved remedies that bring your baby and you much-needed relief.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how to recognize true constipation in babies, gentle remedies to ease it, and when it’s time to check in with your pediatrician, with expert insights from Kelly Brown, BSN, RN, a pediatric nurse and Director of Nursing at Harbor.
Is the baby constipated when they’re straining to poop?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s normal for infants to look like they’re working hard when they poop. Straining, turning red in the face, or even crying during a bowel movement doesn’t always mean constipation.
The AAP explains that passing stool is a big effort for babies especially when they’re lying on their backs. What may look dramatic to parents is often just part of a baby’s normal process.
According to Kelly Brown, constipation is more about stool consistency than frequency. Hard, dry pellets with discomfort suggest constipation, while soft stools even if infrequent are usually normal.
Furthermore, Kelly highlights that “the Bristol Stool Chart is a helpful tool – types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, while types 3 and 4 are considered healthy.”
How to know if your baby is constipated?
According to the AAP, normal stooling patterns include breastfed babies who may poop several times a day or once every few days. Formula-fed babies usually poop at least once daily. Infrequent stools without discomfort are usually not constipation.
While these patterns are usually normal, it helps to know when things might signal constipation instead.
As per National Health Service, UK, here are some signs to look out for:
- Passing poop fewer than three times in a week.
- Having difficulty passing poops that are larger than usual.
- Dry, hard, lumpy, or pellet-like poops.
- Poop or wind that smells stronger than usual.
- Eating less than they normally do.
- A tummy that feels firm or hard.
- They may seem more tired than usual and a bit irritable.
Quick, gentle remedies for constipation relief
Before turning to medicines, pediatricians usually recommend gentle, natural approaches to get things moving again. Here are some easy ways to help your baby feel better:
Bicycle legs and tummy massage
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a pedaling motion, like riding a tiny bicycle. This movement helps release trapped gas. Light, clockwise circular massages on the belly can also encourage digestion and make pooping easier.
Warm bath
A warm soak can do wonders. The gentle heat relaxes your baby’s abdominal muscles, easing tension in the tummy and sometimes prompting a bowel movement right after the bath.
Feeding adjustments
- Breastfed babies: “Maternal diet rarely causes constipation in breastfed infants, but staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods supports healthy digestion and improves breastmilk quality,” says Kelly, “In rare cases, reducing excess dairy or caffeine may help if sensitivities are suspected.”
That said, she also notes, “Breastfed babies rarely experience constipation due to the easy digestibility and natural laxative properties of breast milk.”
- Formula-fed babies: Double-check that the formula is prepared correctly. If they are overly concentrated, they can make stools harder.
Fiber-rich first foods
Once your baby starts solids, diet becomes a key factor. Pureed fruits like pears, prunes, and peas are natural fiber-rich choices that gently support digestion and soften stools.
Hydration support
- Under 6 months: Stick with breast milk or formula only. Water isn’t recommended at this age.
- Over 6 months: Small sips of water or a little diluted prune juice can sometimes help keep things moving.
Month-by-month guide to constipation relief
Constipation looks different at each stage of your baby’s first year. What works for a newborn may not be right for a 6-month-old. Here’s a simple month-by-month guide to help you choose safe, age-appropriate remedies.
Newborns (0 – 1 month)
Constipation in newborns can be tricky to identify because their bowel habits vary a lot. Some poop several times a day, while others may go once every few days. Both can be normal if the stools are soft.
- Gentle bicycle legs and tummy massage can help a constipated newborn pass stool.
- A warm bath often relaxes the body and makes it easier to poop.
- Only breast milk or formula should be given at this stage. Strictly avoid water or juices.
2 – 3 months
At this age, constipation in infants often comes from feeding issues rather than solids. Formula-fed babies are slightly more likely to struggle with hard stools.
- Always measure the water first before adding formula powder to maintain the right ratio. This helps prevent formula-fed baby constipation.
- Gentle massage, a warm soak, and frequent burping can provide quick relief.
- If constipation continues despite correct formula preparation, talk to your doctor before trying a new formula.
4 – 6 months
When solids start, some babies develop constipation especially with iron-fortified rice cereal.
- Consider switching to oatmeal or barley cereal, which are easier on digestion.
- Offer pureed pears, prunes, or peas. They are natural baby constipation remedies.
- If your baby is older than 6 months, small sips of cooled, boiled water can help soften stools.
6+ months
As your baby’s diet and activity levels expand, so do the ways to relieve constipation.
- According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government, add more fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Stewed prunes, apricots, or peas are excellent for baby constipation relief.
- A little prune juice for babies diluted with water (half and half) can also help. Start with 10 ml and adjust slowly.
- Encourage crawling, tummy time, and active play. The movement helps prevent constipation naturally.
- If constipation lasts more than a week or comes with blood in stool, always check with your pediatrician.
What not to do?
When your baby is constipated, it’s natural to want a quick fix. However, some remedies are to be avoided.
- No honey for 1 year. Honey can carry spores that cause infant botulism, a serious illness. Even a tiny taste is unsafe for babies under 12 months.
- Avoid using enemas or laxatives unless your doctor prescribes them. Babies’ systems are delicate, and these treatments can be too harsh without medical guidance.
- Hold off on cow’s milk until after your baby’s first birthday. Before then, it’s harder for them to digest and may worsen constipation rather than relieve it.
When to call the doctor?
Most of the time, constipation improves with gentle home care, but there are situations where professional help is important:
- If constipation goes on for more than 5–7 days without improvement, it’s worth checking in.
- For newborns, not passing meconium (that first dark stool) within the first couple of days after birth should always be reported right away.
“Parents should seek medical care if constipation is paired with vomiting, blood in stool, black or white stools, a distended belly, refusal to feed, or poor weight gain. These symptoms may signal a more serious condition that needs prompt evaluation by a medical professional.” notes pediatric nurse Kelly Brown.
Remember, as a parent you know your baby best. If something doesn’t feel right, reaching out to your pediatrician is the safest step.
Conclusion
Constipation can feel worrying at the moment, but for most babies it’s just a little bump along the road of growing up. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle tummy massage, a splash in a warm bath, or a few spoonfuls of pear puree to get things moving again. Think of these small steps as ways of helping your baby’s tummy find its rhythm, just like you soothe them to sleep or rock them in your arms.
FAQs
Q: 1. How to make baby poop instantly?
A: Gentle bicycle legs and tummy massage may provide quick relief.
Q: 2. Can gripe water or probiotics help?
A: Some parents report benefits, but evidence is mixed. Do consult a pediatrician before trying.
Q: 3. How do you know if a newborn is constipated?
A: Hard, dry stools or painful straining, not just fewer poops are indicators that a newborn is constipated.
Q: 4. Can constipation affect sleep?
A: Yes, discomfort can make babies restless, but once relieved, sleep usually improves.
Q: 5. What foods cause constipation in babies?
A: Rice cereal, bananas, and dairy-heavy foods can sometimes trigger constipation. Balancing with high-fiber options like prunes, pears, or peas helps.
Sources:
- Bowel movement in babies. AAP. “How can I tell if my baby is constipated?”
- Normal stooling patterns in babies. AAP. “Baby’s First Days: Bowel Movements & Urination”
- How is constipation treated? Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government. “Constipation in babies (0-1 year)”
- Symptoms of constipation. NHS.UK. “Constipation and Breastfeeding”
- What healthy poop looks like. NHS.UK. “Bristol Stool Chart”
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