Dealing with a baby's bowel issues can be confusing for parents. It’s hard to know when to worry, and doctors regularly update their advice [1].
What is considered constipation in a baby?
In 2016, the global community of gastroenterologists defined constipation in babies with these criteria [1]:
Stool less than twice a week
Delayed stool for more than 3 days
Stool that is so hard it hurts the baby to poop
Large, sausage-like stools
Incomplete bowel movements (baby poops several times a day, but only tiny amounts)
If at least two of these signs are observed in a month, the baby may have "functional constipation."
Should I see a doctor in such cases?
Yes, it's a good idea to take your baby to the pediatrician. In rare cases (about 5%), constipation can be a symptom of a serious illness. Early diagnosis helps rule out dangerous causes [2].
How can I help my baby with constipation?
It's normal to worry when your baby pushes and turns red while pooping. Usually, it's not constipation; babies just don't know how to coordinate their movements yet.
You can help by bending their legs at the knees and gently pulling them up to their tummy. This helps relax their pelvic muscles and get things moving [2].
Sometimes, formula made from cow's or soy milk can cause constipation in bottle-fed babies [2]. If you think this might be the case, talk to your doctor about switching formulas.
For babies under 4 months, these steps usually do the trick. For older babies, you can try gradually introducing apple or pear juice to help [2].
Photo: shutterstock
