The evil C • constipation • is never a fun issue to discuss, but with babies who can’t yet articulate when they are feeling pain in their tummies, you almost wish you could. Every baby moves to his own rhythm and thus it’s hard to gage the level of constipation during each bout -- a frustrating problem for baby and you.

Some babies produce such regular bowel movements that they leave you a present after each meal. Others take a day or more to go. It all depends on their diet, level of activity and rate of digestion.

If you suspect your baby is constipated, look out for these symptoms:

• Less frequent or no bowel movements, especially for 3+ days
• Crying, gas or straining
• Hard, dry stools that are painful

To help your baby cope with everyday garden-variety constipation issues, it helps to know which foods help and which foods hinder the situation.

Fiber-ful foods that can help move things along:

The foods that can bind (and promote constipation):

• Rice
• Banana
• Apples
• Carrots
• Squash 

What’s the difference between apples and apple juice? Apples contain more pectin, which acts as a binding agent. Apple juice has more liquids and sugar, and the combination can help loosen stool, bringing your baby some relief.

Additional natural methods of constipation relief:

• A gentle tummy massage, starting at baby's belly button and massaging in a clockwise direction away from the center of baby's belly.
• A warm bath to aid relaxation.
• Place your baby on her back and gently move her legs as if she is riding a bicycle to help relieve gas and move things along.

Be sure to consult your pediatrician if your baby is having prolonged constipation issues • it could be a symptom of a more complicated problem that requires medical assistance.

After following these steps, your little angel will be feeling better in no time!