Stool patterns vary from baby to baby. As long as your infant’s stools are soft and appear normal, there is no need to worry. However, if your baby’s stools are hard and difficult to pass, then she may be constipated. You can spot this by keeping an eye out for your baby straining and turning red during bowel movements, passing small, hard, dry stools, and showing signs of general discomfort and pain at poop time.

To learn more about your baby’s stools, check out our Stool Tool. You will be amazed just how much your baby’s poop can tell you.

Helpful tips for dealing with constipation include gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion, massaging her tummy in a clock-wise motion, 3 or 4 times a day, and making sure her diaper is not too tight (this may affect bowel movements). If it does seem too tight, undo the diaper on one side and lay your baby on her back until she poops. Some doctors recommend adding 1 to 2 ounces of prune, apple, or pear juice to formula or breast milk. The sugar in these juices will help to loosen the stools. However, do not give your baby over-the-counter stool softeners unless advised by your pediatrician or health care professional.