When your baby seems uncomfortable, it is natural to want a gentle way to help. If they are finding it hard to poo, a calm tummy massage can be a soothing way to support comfort and encourage movement in the tummy.
Constipation can look different from baby to baby. Some babies poo several times a day, while others go less often. What matters most is whether the poo is soft and easy to pass.
Your baby may be constipated if:
If your baby’s poo is soft, even if they have not gone for a day or two, that is not usually constipation.
A gentle tummy massage may help your baby relax and support the natural movement of the bowels. It can also be a calming moment for both of you when your little one feels unsettled.
The key is to keep everything slow, warm and responsive to your baby’s cues.
Choose a calm time when your baby is settled and alert. It can help to:
A warm bath beforehand can also help your baby relax.
Place your hands at or just below the belly button and make firm but gentle circles outward. Always move clockwise, following the natural direction of the bowel.
Trace an “I” down your baby’s left side.
Then trace an upside-down “L” across the top of the tummy and down the left side.
Then trace an upside-down “U” from the lower right side, up and around the tummy, and down the left side.
Finish with a few gentle downward strokes.
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a slow cycling motion. This can help ease tummy tension and support movement.
Stop if your baby becomes upset or seems uncomfortable. Massage should never feel forceful. A calm, gentle touch is enough.
Colief Baby Massage Oil helps make massage feel smooth and comforting, with a gentle glide that is ideal for little tummies. Made with 100% natural ingredients and suitable from birth from the full-term date, it absorbs quickly to help moisturise, soothe and soften delicate skin while turning massage into a calm moment of connection. When your baby feels unsettled, that quiet hands-on routine can offer gentle support, and the oil helps each stroke feel easy, warm and reassuring for both of you.
Speak to your GP or health visitor if your baby:
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