7 Ways to Relieve Baby Constipation

When a baby's bowel movements become irregular or painful, constipation is often the problem. If you're looking for ways to get your infant's system running smoothly again, here are seven mom-approved remedies our readers recommend.

1. Fiber-Rich Foods

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Constipation often occurs when babies begin eating solid foods, especially if their new diet includes a lot of low-fiber foods like rice cereal, bananas, cheese, and cooked carrots. As Cathralynn C. advises, try adding in some foods that are richer in fiber: "If you are feeding rice cereal, move on to another grain or stop altogether. Rice flour is constipating."

2. Switch Formula

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Sensitivity to a formula ingredient can also cause baby constipation, so switching formula brands is often a simple solution. Dana D. shares: "We . . . changed the formula we were using to a 'sensitive tummy' kind and he hasn't had any problems at all since then."

3. Prune Juice

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Prunes are a natural laxative that can can help relieve constipation. "Prune juice works well for my little one," shares Brenda F., though she wisely cautions to give only a small amount: "No more than an ounce in a day or she gets gassy." Pears, apricots, and peaches can have a similar laxative effect, as Samantha L. shares: "Pear juice works wonders! I used it for my firstborn, she was a preemie, and it cleared her out every time."

4. More Water

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Dehydration is another common cause of constipation. As a result, giving water to a formula-fed baby may provide relief. Lisa W. explains: "A good way to prevent it from happening a lot is to give her water often."

5. Leg Bicycles and Baby Massage

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"Bicycling" your baby's legs in a pedaling motion and gently massaging her tummy can also help get things moving. Connie G. recalls: "I'd lay her on the floor and do leg crunches, just to get things moving, and a belly massage right along the GI tract."

6. Rectal Stimulation

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As Jennifer M. advises, rectal stimulation can also relieve constipation: "Call your pediatrician. They may recommend you taking Vaseline and putting a little on the end of a thermometer and wiggling (it) in her bum. When they told me that... I was like what! Are you serious.. but it worked."

7. Suppositories, Laxatives, and Stool Softeners

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While suppositories, stool softeners, and laxatives also relieve baby constipation, they should be used only on recommendation from your pediatrician. As Tanisha H. cautioned, these options can be habit-forming: "If you start to use laxatives and suppositories early if they have a problem with going to the bathroom they can become dependent on them."

In addition to the serious strategies above, we can't help but share Kristen D.'s best tip: "Dress her (in) white! Every time I dress my daughter in white she does a huge explosive poo!"