Paying attention to the bowel movements your baby has is a way to ensure that your little one is digesting food properly and getting enough to eat. Constipation occurs when your baby doesn't have bowel movements on a regular basis. However, a baby who has powdery or hard bowel movements, even if they are on a regular basis, may be constipated.
Time Frame
Generally, a baby should have a bowel movement at least every three days unless he is exclusively breastfed. A baby who is exclusively breastfed may go as long as seven days between bowel movements. Some babies do have bowel movements daily, and they may even have multiple bowel movements in a single day. This usually isn't cause for concern as long as the bowel movements aren't watery. Bowel movements that are frequent and watery are considered diarrhea, and this type of bowel movement can lead to dehydration.
Causes
Your baby may become constipated if she isn't drinking enough, as dehydration can sometimes lead to constipation. Some babies become constipated when they are fed infant formula. The constipation risk is increased if the baby was exclusively breastfed prior to introducing formula. There is also a chance that your baby will become constipated when you begin to introduce solid foods, which is due in part to the decrease in fiber associated with transitional baby foods such as infant rice cereal.
Treatment
If your baby is under 2 months old and constipated, contact the pediatrician to determine the best course of action. In most cases, this will consist of simply increasing the amount of formula you offer your baby each day. If your baby is at least 2 months old, offering her some fruit juice may help alleviate constipation and encourage her bowel movements to become regular. Two to 4 oz. of juice served twice a day is usually sufficient. Take care that you don't give your baby too much juice, as doing so may lead to diarrhea. Babies who are at least 4 months old can enjoy some high-fiber baby foods to alleviate constipation. Pears, peaches, beans and spinach are some good choices to feed your baby.
Considerations
Even if your baby has slightly watery bowel movements, she may still be constipated. Sometimes, stool that is behind a blockage seeps around the blockage. If this occurs, your baby will likely strain harder than normal and produce only a very small amount of watery stool. She may act like her stomach is hurting. You may be able to help your baby pass the hardened stool by moving her legs in a cycling motion while she is lying on her back. If she still doesn't have a normal bowel movement, suppositories may be needed, but only her physician can let you know if that is an appropriate course of action.
