To naturally relieve your baby's constipation, five methods have proven their effectiveness: abdominal massage in a clockwise direction, applying gentle warmth to the tummy, bicycle leg movements, dietary adjustments (prunes, pears, courgettes) and a warm bath. In the vast majority of cases, these simple gestures are enough to get things moving again without turning to medication.
Your baby is bright red, pushing with all their might, crying, and nothing is happening? Constipation in infants is one of the most common concerns among new parents. Here are five natural methods that have proven their effectiveness, to try at the first signs of discomfort.
Recognizing constipation in infants
First, an important reminder: in a breastfed baby, it is perfectly normal not to have a bowel movement for several days. Breast milk is so well absorbed that it sometimes leaves little residue. This is not necessarily constipation.
The real signs to watch for are a combination of several elements: hard, dry stools (small pellets), a baby who pushes with effort and seems to be in pain, a hard and bloated tummy, and unusual irritability when trying to pass a stool.
If your child is currently discovering new foods, this is often when constipation makes its appearance. The digestive system is adjusting to new foods, and some of them (such as banana, cooked carrot or rice) can slow transit.
1. Abdominal massage
This is probably the most effective and most immediate method. Tummy massage stimulates the natural movements of the intestine and helps push stools along.
How to do it: lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface. Using the flat of your fingers, gently massage their tummy in a clockwise direction (which is the direction of transit). Make slow, regular movements without pressing too hard. Two to three minutes is enough. Repeat several times a day if necessary.
A little tip: your baby will be more receptive to the massage if their abdominal muscles are already relaxed. This is where applying a gentle source of warmth to the tummy before the massage can make all the difference.
2. Gentle warmth on the tummy
Heat has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine. It promotes blood circulation in the abdominal area and helps your baby relax, which makes it easier to pass stools.
In practice, a Béké-Bobo therapeutic bear, classified as a medical device by the European Union and Health Canada, can be heated for 30 seconds in the microwave and then placed on your baby's tummy. The warmth spreads gradually and evenly, and the soft toy shape reassures the child. This shape has been designed to cover the area being treated effectively. Even the 300 g weight is reminiscent of the gentle pressure of a parent's hand. It is a safe way to apply warmth without the risk of burns, unlike a traditional hot water bottle.
You can combine warmth and massage: leave the bear on the tummy for two or three minutes, then follow up with an abdominal massage. The tummy is already relaxed, making the massage even more effective.
Shop Béké-Bobo Therapeutic Teddy Bears
3. Leg movements
The classic "bicycle" exercise: lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs as if they were pedalling. This movement exerts natural pressure on the abdomen and stimulates intestinal peristalsis (the contractions that move stools through the intestine).
There is a variation: gently fold both of your baby's knees towards their tummy, hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat five to six times. This is particularly effective in combination with massage and warmth.
4. Hydration and nutrition
If your baby has started weaning, some adjustments can help get things moving again. Prunes (as purée or diluted juice for older babies), pears, courgettes and green beans are natural allies for digestion. On the other hand, temporarily reduce banana, cooked carrot and rice if the problem persists.
For bottle-fed babies, check the formula preparation: formula that is too concentrated can encourage constipation. Offering a little water between feeds (from 6 months onwards) can also help.
5. A warm bath
A bath at a comfortable temperature (around 37 °C) relaxes the whole of your baby's body, including their abdominal muscles. Many parents find that things resolve during or just after the bath. The warmth of the water in the bath works on the same principle as warmth applied to the tummy: it releases muscular tension and encourages general relaxation.
When to consult your doctor?
Occasional constipation generally resolves with these natural methods. However, make an appointment with your doctor or pediatrician if the constipation lasts more than five days despite your efforts. Do the same if you notice blood in the stools, if your baby refuses to feed or is losing weight, or if they are under two months old and have not had a bowel movement in more than two days.
Never give your baby a laxative or suppository without medical advice.
A simple reflex for the difficult days
Baby constipation is rarely serious, but it can make days (and nights) very long for everyone. By combining massage, gentle warmth and small dietary adjustments, you already have in your hands the most effective tools for relieving your child naturally.
And if you are looking for a safe and practical way to apply warmth to your little one's tummy, Béké-Bobo therapeutic bears were designed exactly for that. Classified as medical devices by the European Union, as well as by Health Canada, and carefully made in Quebec for more than 25 years, they are already part of the daily lives of over 1.4 million parents.
