Is My Baby Constipated?

There is no "normal" number or schedule for baby's bowel movements. Each baby is different. As time goes on, you will get to know your own baby's routine.

If you're concerned that your baby may be constipated, there are a couple of clues to look for. One is if he has less frequent bowel movements than his norm (especially if he hasn't had one if three our more days and is obviously uncomfortable when he does have one). Also watch for hard, dry stools that are difficult for him to pass - no matter how frequently.

There are a few different ways to treat your baby's constipation.

1. Get him some exercise. If your baby's a crawler, encourage him to do a few laps. If he's not crawling yet, try pumping his legs. While he's lying on his back, gently move his legs in a forward, circular motion as if he were pedaling a bicycle.

2. Massage your baby's belly. Measure three finger widths below his navel and apply gentle but firm pressure with your fingertips. Press until you feel a firmness or mass. Maintain gentle but constant pressure for about three minutes.

3. If you feed your baby formula, ask his doctor about switching to a different brand. Some babies are less constipated on soy formula. And sometimes adding a teaspoon of Karo syrup to the formula also does the trick.

4. Switching from rice cereal to barley or oat cereal, or adding pureed fruits or vegetables to his regular cereal, once your baby is ready for them, can help.

5. Once your baby is eating a variety of solid foods, ask your doctor if you can boost your baby's fiber intake by adding a teaspoon of bran to his cereal. Cut down on constipating foods like rice, bananas, and cooked carrots, and try mixing his cereal with a little bit of apple or prune juice or a few tablespoons of pureed prunes, apricots, or pears to help loosen his bowel movements.

6. Increase the amount of fluid your baby drinks to help keep his stools soft. If your baby is over 2 months, give him 1 ounce of prune juice diluted with 1 ounce of water, twice a day to start with. As his constipation improves, you can cut back. Talk with your doctor first if your baby is 2 months old or younger.

7. Talk to your baby's doctor about treatment options. Never give your baby a laxative without your doctor's approval. Ask her about using an over-the-counter stool softener to make bowel movements more comfortable for your baby. She may also suggest you try a glycerin suppository if your baby is severely constipated. The suppository will stimulate the rectum and help him pass a stool. While using a suppository occasionally is fine, don't do it on a regular basis, since your baby could wind up relying on them to have a bowel movement.

8. If your baby is passing such hard, dry stools that he tears the delicate skin near the opening of his anus (you may see these tears, known as anal fissures, or a little blood), apply a little aloe vera lotion to the area to help it heal. And be sure to mention the tears to your doctor.

Angelina has never gotten very constipated. I have been very fortunate. But hopefully this information will help any of you who have little ones who happen to get constipated.

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