Dark corn syrup was once a common home remedy for infant constipation. However, today's commercially prepared dark corn syrup is made differently and does not draw fluid into the intestine or soften the stool. This makes dark corn syrup ineffective for infant constipation. If you’re concerned your child might be constipated, talk with your pediatrician first. Don’t give your child corn syrup. The amount of bowel movements your baby has depends on their age and their diet. It’s normal for babies to strain or become red in the face while passing bowel movements. Pooping is more challenging for them because they have weaker abdominal muscles and are typically lying flat. Breastfed babies tend to go to the bathroom more often than formula-fed babies because breast milk is easier for them to digest. As babies reach around 3-6 weeks of age, they begin having fewer bowel movements, sometimes only one or two per week. If your baby is passing soft stool (poop) and the movements happen infrequently or your baby strains to pass them, your baby probably isn’t constipated. Typically, if your baby becomes constipated, it happens after they start eating solid food. Some common symptoms of constipation in babies include: If your baby seems constipated, it can be helpful to talk with your pediatrician. You may also want to consider changing your baby's diet to help relieve their symptoms. Water and fruit juice. In addition to regular feedings, offer your baby water or 100% fruit juice. Fruit juice contains a sweetener that acts as a laxative. You can start with 2 to 4 ounces and monitor your baby to see if they need more or less. Baby food. Pureed prunes and peas contain more fiber than other fruits and vegetables. Multigrain cereals are also a good source of fiber that can help your baby pass stool. If it's been a few days and your baby is still struggling to have a bowel movement, and you've tried changing their diet, you may need to try something different. In some cases, your doctor might recommend giving your baby an infant glycerin suppository. These are known as stimulant laxatives and can help provide relief from temporary constipation. These should be provided to your baby only after receiving approval and guidance from your pediatrician. Some common safety guidelines include: If your baby's constipation continues despite dietary changes and an infant glycerin suppository, in rare cases, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Your baby's doctor should be consulted right away. As your baby gets older, what they eat and drink will have a significant effect on their body and bowel movements. You can help keep them happy and healthy by providing them with a consistent diet full of good vitamins and nutrients. Follow these tips to help prevent constipation in your baby: Sometimes constipation can be very serious or a sign of another underlying condition. The following are common signs that it is time to call your baby's doctor: