If diet changes don’t do the trick, these alternative remedies might help:

• To help baby pass his stools with less pain or to heal rectal tears, try smearing a bit of petroleum jelly on the outside of the anus once or twice a day.

• Gently massaging your baby or child’s abdomen may relax muscles that support the bladder and intestines, helping to promote bowel activity.

• Slow, deep breaths may help your older child release his pelvic floor muscles and overcome anxiety related to bowel movements.