Babies can go a long time between bowel movements, and for the most part, this is normal. It is completely normal for a baby to go several days to a week without a bowel movement. However, sometimes your baby may be constipated, and they need extra help to pass a bowel movement.

Here are three ways to help your constipated baby.

THREE ways to help a constipated baby

1. Let them get some exercise. First, exercise can stimulate your baby’s bowels. If your baby is not walking or crawling yet, a caregiver will have to help them exercise to relieve the constipation. The caregiver can move the baby’s legs while they’re on their back to mimic a bike-riding motion and help alleviate some of the constipation pain.
2. Give them a warm bath. Another way to help relieve your baby’s constipation is by giving them a warm bath. A warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles, help them stop straining, and relieve some of the discomfort that comes with being constipated.
3. Offer them a massage. Finally, you can offer your baby a massage. There are several ways to massage your baby’s stomach to relieve constipation. You can use your fingertips to make circular motions in a clockwise pattern, you can walk your fingers around the navel in a clockwise pattern, and you can hold your baby’s knees and feet together and gently push their legs forward.

While it is normal for babies to go long periods without a bowel movement, they can also become constipated. There’s no reason to be alarmed if your baby hasn’t passed stool in a couple of days. On the other hand, if you notice your baby feeling uncomfortable or straining, they may be constipated. If constipation is frequent, it may be beneficial to contact the baby’s pediatrician and assess their diet.