5 Ways to Help Your Constipated Baby

It's one of the most common ailments a baby will face, and one of the most common reasons for inconsolable crying. While your infant may strain during their bowel movements due to weak abdominal muscles, true constipation usually occurs when a baby starts eating solids, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's uncomfortable, but there are techniques that parents can try to ease their baby's frustration and pain.

Indicators of constipation include hard, dry bowel movements that are difficult and painful to pass. They're generally infrequent, too. A constipated baby may arch their back or cry when straining to pass a bowel movement. If your baby is exhibiting these symptoms, here's how to help them find the comfort they're seeking.

Hold your baby's feet, and gently help them to bicycle kick the air for a minute or two. The motion can help them to get things moving, and is something that you can try at any age.

If your baby is over 6 months old, offer them some water with meals. This isn't to replace breast milk or formula, but to supplement them.

A few ounces of 100 percent fruit juice such as apple, pear, or prune juice can also help your baby. These juices contain sorbitol, which works like a natural laxative. After the first month of life, if you think your baby is constipated, the American Association of Pediatrics suggests a bit of pear or apple juice. Since the sugars in these juices aren't digested very well, they draw fluid into the intestines and help loosen stool. The AAP's rule of thumb for babies younger than four months of age is to give them one ounce a day for every month of life (i.e. a 3-month-old baby would get three ounces).

If your baby is old enough for solids, prunes are a tried-and-true standby.

Another recommendation for babies over six months of age: whole-wheat, barley, and multi-grain infant cereal contain more fiber than rice cereal and may help get things moving.