The frequency of bowel movements of young babies (up to six months) varies a great deal. Stools of breast-fed babies are usually yellow in appearance, while those of bottle-fed babies are often thicker and greenish.

Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from constipation than those who are fed on formula milk. This is because breast milk is more easily digestible. Babies' large intestine has the right bacteria to break down some of the harder-to-process proteins in the milk, making the stools softer and easier to pass. Breastfed babies also have higher levels of the hormone motiline, which stimulates bowel movement.

If your baby is formula fed then consider changing brands to one which is less likely to cause contipation: follow on formulae and so-called 'hungry baby' infant formulae are more likely to cause constiptaion because they are casein-dominant, and this is harder to digest than a whey-dominant infant formula and so the matter will move more slowly through the bowel, allowing more fluid to be reabsorbed from it and making it harder, and hence causing discomfort to baby when they do a poo. The are other ingredients of your baby's formula which may be more or less likely to ease, or cause, constipation, we have provided a list and some details via the link.

Constipation remedies should not be used at this young age, unless in extreme cases and only if prescribed by a doctor. Remember that constipation can be caused by dehydration. With formula fed babies, check that enough water is being added to the infant formula, as this varies from brand to brand. The baby's fluids can also be topped up with boiled and cooled water if you would like.

After about six months, or when babies start on solid or semi-solid food, bowel movements become more regular depending on the food they eat. The stools start to look, and smell, more like those of an adult.

At this point, babies may suffer from constipation as their young intestines get used to the nutrients in solid foods. Dehydration can also contribute. As stools accumulate in the intestine, they become harder and more difficult to pass. Any remaining moisture is reabsorbed into the body, making the stools even harder and causing more discomfort.

Laying them on their back and moving their legs in a cycling motion gently puts pressure on the intestine, can stimulate bowel movement. Massaging the baby's tummy can help. Rub a little baby oil or cream in clockwise circular motions from the navel outwards. This can also make the baby relax, which helps towards relieving constipation. Similarly, a warm bath can also help to put the baby at ease and relieve some of the tension in the bowels.

Of course, prevention is better than the cure. Once the baby starts on solids, start to gradually introduce fibre-rich foods into his or her diet, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals such as porridge. Fluids are equally important and the baby should be given plenty to drink for example water or if necessary, heavily diluted fruit juice.

Exclusively breast fed babies rarely suffer with constipation as the composition of breastmilk is designed for optimum nutrition and so is easily absorbed and digested. Formula fed infants are more likely to suffer with constipation as, unlike breast fed babies, they do not have a build up of the special bacteria in their stomachs that can cope with difficult to digest milk proteins. Some formula companies used to add so-called friendly bacteria - known as Probiotics - into their formulas, but it was soon discovered that the high water temperatures needed to make up the infant formula safely killed the bacteria, and so now they try instead to add ingredients which will encourage the growth of these freindly bacteria - these are known as Prebitoics.

It is quite common for infants to suffer with constipation when solid foods are introduced as part of the weaning process. This can be because the digestive system is having to cope with breaking down the new solid foods. However, it can also be due to a decrease in the amount of liquid consumed, so, especially if baby is being fed on formula milk, it is wise to supplement their regular milk feeds with drinks of cooled, boiled water.

Signs of constipation

The frequency of bowel movements varies greatly from infant to infant with some passing solids several times a day and others every couple of days. Once your baby beings to eat solids his diet will play a role in the frequency of his bowel movements.

There is no set rule as to how frequently baby should pass solids so its best to gauge your baby's digestive health on the consistency of his stools. Breastfed babies tend to have loose, mustard coloured, seed-like stools, whereas the stools of formula fed babies tend to be more solid with a tan colour and peanut butter consistency. The stools of weaned babies tend to resemble normal more adult stools but should still appear soft.

Your baby may be constipated if his stools are very solid and pellet like, if he is experiencing stomach ache, if his abdomen feels solid, if he is demonstrating colicky symptoms and if he hasn't passed solids for longer than what is normal for him.

Constipation treatments

If you notice your baby has become constipated you should try to resolve the issue quickly as an extended period without emptying the bowels will exacerbate the situation as more water is absorbed from the stools making them more difficult to pass.

Young infants should not be given over the counter laxatives without the consultation of a doctor, however there are some 'at home' remedies you can try to help your baby get things moving again.

• Ensure your baby is getting enough fluid - if you are bottle feeding check that you are getting the formula powder:water ratio correct and if weaning supplement your baby's diet with cooled boiled water.
  
• If your baby is already started on solids make sure he is getting plenty of fibrous fruit and vegetables. Prunes, pears, apricots and ripe bananas can be particularly good at relieving constipation.
  
• Try lying your baby on his back and cycling his legs in the air - this can help to stimulate the digestive tract.
  
• Massage your baby's stomach in a clockwise motion - this can be done while baby is in a warm bath or using lotion or oil to lubricate the skin as this helps to both relax baby and get digestion moving.