Constipation in a 3-month-old baby

Contact the baby's clinician promptly if this is a new problem, stools are persistently hard, or feeding and comfort have changed. Do not give water, juice, laxatives, suppositories or enemas unless specifically advised for the baby.

Young babies may grunt, turn red and draw up their legs before passing a soft stool because they are still coordinating the muscles used for bowel movements. This can look uncomfortable without being constipation.

Dry pellets, a firm stool that is painful to pass, a small crack or streak of blood at the anus, and repeated unsuccessful attempts fit constipation more closely. Stool frequency varies with feeding method, so consistency and the baby's overall wellbeing matter more than the calendar alone.

Continue normal breast milk or correctly prepared formula. If formula feeding, follow the product instructions exactly; extra powder can make feeds too concentrated, while extra water can be unsafe. Gentle leg-cycling and a warm bath may help the baby relax but should not be forced.

Record when stools occur, what they look like, whether there is blood or vomiting, how the baby feeds and the number of wet nappies. A clinician may review feeding preparation, growth, the abdomen and anus before recommending a suitable remedy.

Get urgent medical help if the baby has green vomit, a swollen or very tender abdomen, repeated vomiting, marked sleepiness, difficulty waking, or seems severely unwell.

Arrange prompt assessment for poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, fever, ongoing pain, blood mixed through the stool, failure to gain weight, or constipation that does not settle. Mention whether stool passage was delayed after birth and whether symptoms began after a feeding change.

Ask whether the stool pattern is normal for this baby's feeding method, how formula should be prepared, whether an examination is needed, and which treatment—if any—is suitable for the baby's age. Also ask what change should trigger another review.