Constipation in babies is a common concern among parents and a condition that is commonly addressed by pediatricians. Constipation in babies refers more to the consistency of the stool than the frequency. While many newborn babies pass stool after each feeding, the frequency of bowel movements begins to subside between one and two months of age. Constipation in babies is marked by infrequent, hard stool that appears to be painful to pass. Some parents may be able to help relieve constipation at home, though new parents are encouraged to call their pediatrician if they are concerned.

Constipation in babies older than five months is often caused by the introduction to solid foods. As the baby's digestive system is introduced to new foods, it may react differently, and bowel habits may change. If your baby has started solid foods, meaning baby food, you may want to avoid or decrease rice cereal and bananas and try prunes, apricots, or pears, as these tend not to be constipating. Continue breast or bottle feeding as usual.

Though breastfed babies are rarely constipated, they can become so. Constipation in babies who are formula fed is more common, and you should talk to your doctor about switching infant formulas as a way to prevent or relieve constipation. Make sure your baby is drinking plenty of water, especially if you notice a decrease in urination. Constipation in babies accompanied by pain or obvious discomfort lasting more than an hour, which is often considered colic, should be discussed with a pediatrician. Call your doctor immediately if you notice blood in your baby’s stool more than once or in excessive amounts.

Here are some tips to help your child and reduce his or her pain:

• Children who eat cereal can have a little prune juice added to it.
• Gradually increase the amount of fluids in your child’s diet.
• Make sure that older children drink plenty of water.
• You can also try a glycerin suppository for stimulation and softening, but check with the pharmacist about specific brands and use. Never use a laxative on a baby.
• mix some hing in water to make a paste. heat in the microwave to luke warm, then rub it around the baby's belly button.
• soak black raisins (dry grapes) in water the previous night and give it to the baby with the water squeezed out from the raisins the next morning.

For Older Children

• Older children can also be given prune juice, bran cereal and fruits and vegetables with high fiber content.
• Praise your child when he/she has a bowel movement or sit on the toilet at the planned time but do not reward them with foods such as candies and chocolates. You can give them stickers or put stars on their shirts instead. Older children may be awarded points that they can accumulate to receive a pre-planned gift such as a trip to an amusement park or a toy. You can also indulge in their favorite activities to motivate them.
• To establish a regular bowel habit, make the child sit on the toilet, preferably after meals, at about same time of the day for about 10 minutes.
• Train your child to have a bowel movement on time.
• You can make your child comfortable and still by ensuring that her feet are placed firmly on the floor or a footstool while sitting on the toilet, read a story book to her or let her listen to the radio.
• You may ask your doctor to write down a prescription for the laxatives for the child with the appropriate amount, depending on the child’s age and how chronic constipation is.

If your child has chronic constipation and he or she is not getting any better even after following the tips given above than it is better to consult your pediatrician to make sure that it is not indicative of any serious problem.