Your baby is crying, and you have tried just about everything you can think of. You have tried to feed them, change their diaper, rock them, and nothing is working. Finally it occurs to you that your baby hasn't had a bowel movement in quite some time.

Your baby is constipated, and constipated babies are not happy babies. So now what do you do? Here are a few tips that can help you and your baby work through this little tummy dilemma:

Massage

A gentle massage can help the baby's intestine area, helping them to work out the bubbles, and get things moving. It is also helpful to work it out by taking their legs and slowly and gently, yet firmly, pressing their knees into their stomach area, not too hard, but just enough pressure to get things moving.

Diet

Check their diet for constipating foods. Evaluate what your baby has eaten lately. If your baby is on solid foods, make sure they are getting enough fruits and other foods that can help regulate them. Don't give them too many constipating foods like cheese. If they are younger, and only on formula, you may need to check with a doctor to see if their formula is too hard for them to digest, and possibly switch to a gentle formula or one specifically for gas and constipation.

Juice

Older babies can have juices to help them get regulated again. Try giving them some apple juice, or prune juice mixed with water. You will want to dilute the juice as it can be very acidic and cause a very unwelcomed diaper rash.

Warm bath

A warm bath can also help with the intestine area, allowing the muscles to relax and allow for more movement through the bowels.

Suppositories

Suppositories are also an option, however, this should be used as a last resort. You should ask your child's pediatrician and if they are OK for your child and for a recommendation in dose.

Constipation can be a source of frustration for you as well as the baby, it can keep your baby from eating and sleeping. It can result in some tears being shed from being overly tired, and sadly in some pain and discomfort. It is important to keep track, even if just mentally, of your baby's bowel movements, so you don't waste too much time trying to figure out why your child is so upset and uncomfortable.