Confirm it is constipation: hard, dry stools, straining with discomfort, or fewer stools than usual with signs of distress
Feed more often if breastfeeding
Check formula preparation is exact; do not make formula more concentrated
Try a warm bath to help relax the baby
Gently move the baby’s legs in a bicycle motion
Gently massage the baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction
Hold the baby upright after feeds
If bottle-feeding, burp the baby during and after feeds
Do not give water, juice, honey, laxatives, suppositories, or enemas unless a doctor says to
Contact a pediatrician promptly if the baby is under 1 month old and constipated
Seek urgent medical care if there is vomiting, swollen belly, fever, blood in stool, poor feeding, lethargy, or no stool for several days with discomfort