How to QUICKLY Relieve Your Newborn's Constipation
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
25th May, 2025
⏱︎ 6 min read
Read This First...
We get it.
Every parent worries about constipation when their newborn baby isn’t taking regular poops.
But before we jump into the treatment, here’s something most new parents don’t know:
Poop frequency can vary a lot in newborns.
Some babies may poop after every feeding…
While some may go up to 5 days without a poop — and both are totally normal.
So, the key point is:
👉Constipation in newborns doesn’t always mean “less frequent” poops.
It’s about hard, dry stools, straining, or discomfort while passing stool.
And if this is something your newborn (less than 1 year of age) is experiencing… then this guide is for you.
Once You Read This Guide, You'll Know
5 Signs of Constipation in Newborns:
Here’s how to tell if your baby is actually constipated…
- Hard, pellet-like stools
- If the poop looks like little marbles, that’s a sign of constipation in infants 2–8 months and even younger newborns.
- If the poop looks like little marbles, that’s a sign of constipation in infants 2–8 months and even younger newborns.
- Straining or turning red during pooping
- Some grunting is normal, but persistent straining might indicate discomfort.
- Some grunting is normal, but persistent straining might indicate discomfort.
- Tummy feels hard or bloated
- Constipation in newborns often causes gas build-up, making their belly feel tight.
- Constipation in newborns often causes gas build-up, making their belly feel tight.
- Unusual fussiness or irritability
- Babies may cry or seem uneasy when constipated, especially before a bowel movement.
- Babies may cry or seem uneasy when constipated, especially before a bowel movement.
Smelly Gas Without Poop
If your newborn is passing gas that smells really bad—and hasn’t pooped recently—it might be constipation.
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What Causes Constipation in Newborns?
You’re not wrong to ask, “What causes constipation?” or “What leads to constipation in infants?” — because understanding the root can help you treat it effectively.
Here are the most common reasons:
- Formula feeding
- Formula is harder to digest than breast milk, as formula can be harder to digest. Switching formula brands or types can sometimes lead to constipation.
- Formula is harder to digest than breast milk, as formula can be harder to digest. Switching formula brands or types can sometimes lead to constipation.
- Transitioning from breast milk to solids
- Changes in diet, especially around 4–6 months, can slow down digestion, triggering constipation or gas.
- Changes in diet, especially around 4–6 months, can slow down digestion, triggering constipation or gas.
- Dehydration or insufficient fluid intake
- Infrequent feeding is a common reason for constipation in babies 2-8 months old.
- Infrequent feeding is a common reason for constipation in babies 2-8 months old.
- Sensitivity to milk protein
- Some babies have trouble digesting cow’s milk protein, leading to constipation in infants.
- Some babies have trouble digesting cow’s milk protein, leading to constipation in infants.
5. Dietary changes in breastfeeding mothers
For constipation in newborns on breastfeed, sometimes the mother’s diet can affect the baby’s digestion.
How to Relieve Constipation in Newborns (7 Ways)
Let’s treat constipation the natural, pediatrician-approved way.
1. Tummy Tapping (Percussion)
- How:
Use your fingers to gently tap in a clockwise motion around your baby’s belly. - Why it works:
Creates subtle vibrations that stimulate trapped gas and bowel movement. - Pediatrician’s tip:
Don’t pound, just tap like a soft drum.
2. Bicycle leg movements
- How
Gently move the baby’s legs in a pedaling motion. - Why it works
Helps stimulate bowel movement and relieves gas. - Pediatrician tip
Do this during tummy time or diaper change.
3. Tummy massage
- How
Apply a small amount of baby oil on your hands. Use gentle, circular strokes on the baby’s tummy. - Why it works
Stimulates the digestive system and helps move the stool through the intestines. - Pediatrician tip
Use warm hands and massage after a warm bath for a better effect.
4. Warm bath soak
- How
Bath your baby in warm (not hot) water for 10–15 minutes. - Why it works
Relaxes abdominal muscles, which can promote bowel movements and relieve constipation in infants. - Pediatrician tip
Add a few drops of chamomile oil for added relaxation (if approved by your doctor).
5. Warm Water Leg Soak
- How
Dip just your baby’s legs (knees to toes) in warm water for 5–10 minutes while holding them upright. - Why it works
It relaxes lower-body nerves linked to bowel movement—helping trigger a natural poop reflex without overstimulating the baby. - Pediatrician tip
Great for babies who get fussy in full baths—this focused soak can ease tension and support gentle stool release.
6. Adjust formula (if needed)
- How
Consult your pediatrician about switching to a different formula. - Why it works
Some formulas are easier on the tummy and reduce constipation in newborns on formula feed. - Pediatrician tip
Never switch formulas frequently without doctor guidance.
7. Hydration boost (for older infants)
- How
Offer a few sips of water (only if 6+ months). - Why it works
Softens stool and prevents dryness. - Pediatrician tip
Skip juice; go for plain, boiled-and-cooled water in small amounts.
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When to Visit Your Doctor
While constipation is usually manageable at home, certain conditions can require a professional checkup.
Visit the pediatrician if:
No bowel movement in more than 5 days.
Baby cries excessively and shows signs of pain.
Stools are bloody, very hard, or the baby vomits
The tummy looks swollen, or the baby refuses to eat
Conclusion:
We’ve covered how to know if your baby is actually constipated, what causes it, and safe ways to help your baby relieve constipation at home.
7 ways to treat constipation in newborns (at home)
1. Tummy massage
2. Bicycle leg movements
3. Warm bath soak
4. Tummy taping
5. Warm water leg soak
6. Adjust formula (if needed)
7. Hydration boost (for older infants)
However…
If these techniques aren’t working…
Or if your baby is in pain, and their stool looks bloody or usually hard.
Then, it’s time to speak to a doctor (Pediatrician).
✓ Medically reviewed by:
MBBS, RMP, FCPS, PMDC
Written by:
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
Medically reviewed by:
MBBS, FCPS, PMDC, RMP
Written by:
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
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© 2025. All rights reserved.
© 2025. All rights reserved.