Most infants have one or more stools daily. However, young infants can sometimes go for several days between bowel movements. Usually, this is normal. Constipation in infants is the difficult passage of hard stools. Even with normal bowel movements, infants will sometimes grunt, turn red in the face, and appear to strain. However, if your infant appears to be experiencing discomfort or crying while straining, and is only passing small, hard “balls” of stool, he is probably constipated. In some cases, the hard stools may be streaked with blood due to an anal fissure (a crack in the anal skin resulting from the passage of hard stool).

Measures that can help relieve constipation include giving one teaspoon of dark corn (Karo) syrup twice a day (or adding it to the baby’s bottle), or two to three ounces of apple or prune juice twice daily (only for infants over two months of age). Infants who have become constipated after switching to cow’s milk feedings before 12 months of age may benefit from switching back to formula. Older infants can eat strained fruits or vegetables that are high in fiber. Do not give your infant laxatives, rectal suppositories, or enemas. Call your baby’s doctor if your infant appears to be in increasing discomfort or cannot pass stool, or if you see blood in the stool or diaper.