Symptoms

A firm or hard stool. Stomach pain. Anal fissures (or anal tears) may result in a little blood in the stool.

Causes

Breast fed babies will rarely become constipated, because of the makeup of breast milk. Formula fed babies are more likely to become constipated, because formula is harder for babies to digest. A baby that receives only formula is more likely to have fewer bowel movements and thicker stools.

Many babies become constipated when they begin consuming solids. This is due to the baby’s intestines adjusting to a new type of food. Once your infant is consuming solid foods, constipation could result due to dehydration.

Constipation can cycle as the pain of constipation can cause some babies to hold back their bowel movements, resulting in a buildup in the intestines and more constipation. This can cause colic pains in the baby’s stomach.

Treatment

• Massage baby’s stomach. Infant massage of the stomach can relax baby’s tummy and intestines and promote digestion. Start at baby’s belly button and massage outward in clockwise circles.

• Move baby’s legs in a cycling motion as your baby lies on her back. This can cause movement in the baby’s stomach muscles which stimulate the intestines to move.

• Give your baby a warm bath. Combine massage with the bath to relax baby.

• Apply some petroleum jelly around the outside of the anus in the bath to cause a bowel movement.

• Talk to your doctor about a possible switch in formula.

• If your baby is eating solids, introduce more fruits and vegetables, especially prunes. Fiber will decrease constipation.

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