The best treatments for baby constipation are natural ones, because babies have a very delicate digestive system that doesn’t begin maturing until after they are a year old. Constipation generally occurs when there is a change in the baby’s diet. The formula fed to the baby usually is the culprit, as can be the introduction into the diet of foods that promote constipation. To maintain the delicate balance of the baby’s digestive system, natural remedies should be used as soon as a change in the baby’s stool is noticed. The three best treatments for baby constipation are exercise, fluids and fiber.

Before any type of treatment is started or the baby's diet is changed, one should make sure that constipation is actually what the baby is experiencing. The baby’s lower right stomach region can be rubbed, and if it’s hard, then the intestines are impacted and are causing the baby constipation. If gently rubbing the baby’s stomach does not cause the fecal matter to move, the baby’s anus can be rubbed in a light circular motion to stimulate a rectal response. Once the sluggish intestinal track has begun moving, the bowels should move also.

Infant exercise is one method of getting things moving in the baby's system. The best infant exercise is done by laying the baby on his or her back and taking the baby’s feet and making a bicycle motion. This exercise can be done daily to prevent baby constipation. The baby will find it enjoyable, and it will help keep things moving through the intestines.

Formula and breast milk contain everything a baby needs to consume, including water. If the baby's doctor permits the infant to consume water, it should be given to the infant in small sips throughout the day. A few drops of glucose syrup can be added to the water to promote a bowel movement. Water nipples can be purchased for the baby's bottle. These special nipples are thicker than normal nipples and will prevent the baby from taking in too much water.

One teaspoon of glucose syrup also can be added to formula and breast milk to alleviate constipation. The amount of syrup can be increased if necessary, and it should be discontinued if the baby's stool becomes too loose. Normally, the iron in the formula can cause the baby constipation, but the baby's formula should not be changed unless it is certain that this is the cause of the constipation.

Fiber also can be incorporated into the baby’s diet. Cooked pears or peaches are a great source of fiber that should be well tolerated by the baby’s delicate system. The various treatments for baby constipation should not be tried all at one time. This could overwhelm the baby's digestive system and cause diarrhea.