Welcoming a newborn into your home is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, filled with joy, wonder, and, of course, a fair share of challenges. As a new parent, you’re navigating a new world of diaper changes, feeding schedules, and sleepless nights. And one day, your newborn baby is constipated!
Constipation is a common concern that may leave you and your baby distressed. Fortunately, there are several practical steps to alleviate your baby’s discomfort. This comprehensive guide will explore effective tips to help your newborn when they’re constipated, so they stay comfortable and healthy.
Step to Take When Your Newborn Baby is Constipated
1. Recognize the Signs Your Newborn Baby is Constipated
Before addressing your baby’s constipation, it’s essential to recognize the signs. Unlike older children and adults, newborns have unique bowel habits that vary widely. There are key indicators that your baby might be constipated. These include:
- Infrequent Bowel Movements: Your newborn has fewer than three bowel movements in one week. However, breastfed babies go for several days without a bowel movement. This is normal as long as your baby passes out soft stools.
- Hard, Dry Stool: This pertains to the consistency of your baby’s bowel movement.
- Straining or Crying During Bowel Movements: Your baby seems in pain, strains excessively, or cries while trying to pass stool.
- A Firm Belly: Gently press on your baby’s abdomen. If it feels firm or swollen, it could be due to a backed-up stool.
- Discomfort or Fussiness: Babies communicate discomfort through fussiness and crying. If your normally content baby is suddenly irritable, especially around the time of bowel movements, constipation could be the cause.
Understanding these signs will help you identify constipation early and take the appropriate steps to address it.
2. Ensure Proper Hydration
Hydration plays a critical role in keeping your baby’s digestive system functioning smoothly. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation in newborns since it leads to harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass. Here’s how to keep your baby well-hydrated:
- Breastfed Babies: Breast milk is designed to meet your baby’s hydration needs. It contains the right balance of nutrients and fluids, so as long as your baby feeds frequently, they should be getting enough liquid. Aim to breastfeed on demand, 8-12 times in 24 hours. Pay attention to signs that your baby is getting enough milk, such as frequent wet diapers (at least 6-8 per day) and steady weight gain.
- Formula-Fed Babies: It’s crucial to mix the formula correctly. Adding too much formula powder and less water leads to dehydration, which causes constipation. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the formula packaging. If your baby seems constipated despite proper hydration, consider switching to a different formula that’s easier on the digestive system.
Adequate hydration is one of the simplest ways to prevent and treat constipation, so keep a close eye on your baby’s fluid intake.
3. Gently Massage Your Baby’s Belly
Massaging your baby’s belly is an effective way to help relieve constipation. The gentle pressure from your hands can stimulate the bowels and encourage a bowel movement. Here are some techniques to try:
- Circular Massage: Use the pads of your fingers to make small, circular motions on your baby’s abdomen. Start near the belly button and gradually work your way outwards. Apply gentle but firm pressure, being careful not to press too hard.
- The “I Love U” Technique: This is a popular method for massaging a constipated baby’s belly. To perform this massage, start by tracing the letter “I” on the left side of your baby’s belly, just below the ribs. Then, trace an upside-down “L” starting from the lower right side and moving across the belly. Finally, draw an upside-down “U” from the lower right side, up and over the belly button, and down to the lower left side. This pattern helps guide trapped gas and stool through the intestines.
Massaging your baby’s belly helps with constipation and provides comfort and relaxation for your little one. You might find that incorporating this technique into your daily routine helps keep your baby’s digestion on track.
4. Try the Bicycle Legs Exercise
Movement is another excellent way to stimulate your baby’s digestive system and encourage a bowel movement. One of the most effective exercises for relieving constipation in newborns is the bicycle legs exercise. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Lay your baby on their back on a soft, flat surface, such as a changing mat or a bed.
- Step 2: Hold your baby’s legs gently and move them in a cycling motion, as if pedaling a bicycle. Alternate between moving one leg and the other, bringing each knee towards their chest and extending it out.
- Step 3: Continue this motion for a few minutes, keeping the movements slow and gentle.
This exercise applies gentle pressure to the abdomen, moving trapped gas and stool through the intestines. Perform the bicycle leg exercise several times, especially if your baby seems to be struggling with constipation.
5. Give a Warm Bath
A warm bath is a relaxing experience for your baby and relieves constipation. Warm water relaxes the muscles in the abdomen, easing the passage of stool. Here’s how to make the most of bath time when your baby is constipated:
- Temperature Check: The bathwater is warm, but not too hot. Aim for a temperature around 98-100°F (37-38°C), similar to body temperature.
- Bath Time Routine: Soak your baby in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Gently massage their belly or perform the bicycle legs exercise to encourage a bowel movement.
- Post-Bath Care: After the bath, dry your baby off thoroughly and keep them warm. Your baby will have a bowel movement shortly after the bath, as combining warm water and gentle movement stimulates their digestive system.
Warm baths are effective if your baby is uncomfortable due to constipation, providing physical relief and a calming experience.
6. Check Your Baby’s Formula
For formula-fed babies, constipation is sometimes linked to the type of formula. Not all formulas are created equal, and some are harder for your baby to digest, leading to constipation. If you suspect that your baby’s formula is the cause, here’s what to do::
- Review the Ingredients: Take a close look at the ingredients list. Some formulas contain high levels of iron, which, although important for your baby’s development, can cause constipation. Other ingredients, such as certain proteins or additives, also contribute to digestive issues.
- Consider a Gentle Formula: If your baby is frequently constipated, switch to a formula for sensitive tummies. These formulas are easier to digest and prevent constipation. Some options include formulas with partially hydrolyzed proteins, broken down into smaller pieces, and are easier to digest.
- Transition Gradually: If you decide to switch formulas, do so gradually. Start from the new formula with the old one, gradually increase over several days. This gradual transition prevents further digestive upset.
7. Offer Water or Juice
While breast milk or formula is your baby’s primary source of nutrition, offering a small amount of water or juice relieves constipation, especially if your baby is over one month old. Here’s what you need to know:
- Water: For babies over one-month-old, offer a small amount of water (1-2 ounces) to soften stool and make it easier to pass. Use cooled, boiled water if your baby is under six months old to avoid the risk of contamination.
- Fruit Juice: For babies over four months old, give a small amount of 100% fruit juice, such as apple, pear, or prune juice. These juices contain sorbitol, a natural sugar that draws water into the intestines, helping to soften stool. Start with 1-2 ounces of juice mixed with equal parts water, taken once a day until your baby’s bowel movements become more regular.
- Monitor for Reactions: After offering water or juice, monitor your baby for any signs of discomfort or allergic reactions, such as rashes or vomiting. If you notice anything unusual, stop giving the juice and consult your pediatrician.
Juice should be given in moderation, as too much leads to diaper rash or other digestive issues. Prioritize breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition.
For a related topic, this article is worth reading: 10 Fun Ways to Encourage Your Child to Drink More Fluids
8. Check for Allergies or Intolerances
Constipation in newborns can be a sign of an underlying food allergy or intolerance. This happens when accompanying symptoms are present, such as rashes, vomiting, or excessive crying. If you suspect that your baby’s constipation is related to food sensitivity, here’s what to do:
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your baby’s symptoms, including the frequency and consistency of their bowel movements, and signs of discomfort such as rashes or digestive upset. Note what your baby eats (or what you eat if you’re breastfeeding) to see if there’s a correlation between certain foods and constipation.
- Consult Your Pediatrician: Share your observations with your pediatrician to determine if a food allergy or intolerance is the cause. They recommend an elimination diet if you’re breastfeeding, which involves removing potential allergens (such as dairy, soy, or gluten) from your diet to see if your baby’s symptoms improve.
- Consider Hypoallergenic Formula: If your baby is formula-fed, your pediatrician suggests switching to a hypoallergenic formula, especially if there’s a family history of allergies. These formulas are easier on sensitive digestive systems and alleviate constipation.
9. Monitor Your Diet if You’re Breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mom, your diet plays a significant role in your baby’s digestion. Certain foods you eat pass through your breast milk and affect your baby’s bowel movements. If your newborn is constipated, it’s worth considering the impact of your diet. Here’s what you need to know:
- Identify Potential Triggers: Common dietary culprits cause constipation in breastfed babies such as dairy, caffeine, spicy foods, and certain vegetables like broccoli or cabbage. If you suspect your diet is affecting your baby, eliminate one potential trigger at a time for a week or two to see if there’s any improvement.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins promotes healthy digestion for you and your baby. Stay hydrated– adequate water intake is essential for maintaining milk supply and preventing constipation in your baby.
- Consult a Lactation Consultant: If you’re unsure which foods cause your baby’s constipation, consult a lactation consultant. They give personalized advice on adjusting your diet to support your baby’s digestive health.
10. Consult Your Pediatrician
If you’ve tried the above tips and your baby’s constipation persists, consult your pediatrician. While most cases of constipation in newborns are mild and can be resolved with home remedies, persistent or severe constipation requires medical intervention. Here’s what to expect:
- Medical History and Examination: Your pediatrician will ask about your baby’s medical history, feeding habits, and any symptoms. They perform a physical examination to check for signs of abdominal discomfort or other issues.
- Diagnostic Tests: In some cases, your pediatrician recommends tests to rule out underlying conditions that could be causing constipation, such as thyroid problems, metabolic disorders, or structural issues in the digestive tract.
- Treatment Options: Depending on the severity, your pediatrician recommends treatments such as glycerin suppositories, which soften stool and make it easier to pass.
Provide Relief When Your Newborn Baby is Constipated 
Constipation in newborns is a common yet challenging issue that causes considerable worry for new parents. Be attentive to the symptoms and employ the right strategies to help your baby find relief and restore their digestive comfort. The tips presented offer a well-rounded approach to managing and preventing constipation in your little one.
Each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for others, particularly when your newborn baby is constipated. Be patient and try different methods to see what best suits your baby’s needs. Your pediatrician is your perfect ally to provide guidance and support, ensuring your baby stays healthy and happy.
With the right care and attention, you can navigate the ups and downs when your newborn baby is constipated, helping your baby thrive during these precious early months. Happy parenting!
Need more information on infant constipation? Omega Pediatrics has for you. Check out this article: Understanding and Managing Infant Constipation: Comprehensive Guide for All Parents
