Probiotics May Help Babies with Constipation.Some probiotics may help treat chronic constipation in babies, according to a new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics June 10, 2010. Reuters Health

"Babies taking probiotics had significantly more bowel movements than babies on the placebo after two, four, and eight weeks, suggesting an improvement in their constipation. At the beginning of the study, the probiotic babies had, on average, less than three bowel movements per week. By week eight, they had an average of almost five.  The probiotic treatment had no side effects, according to the report, which is published online in The Journal of Pediatrics."

This article goes onto mention that the current practice of treating constipation shouldn't change based on this study alone, and quotes a pediatric gastroenterologist who would "never" start with probiotics, saying that parents should try oral laxatives first.
It's exciting to see more and more research showing the benefit and safety of using probiotics. I have been recommending probiotics to my patients for years and have yet to see an adverse reaction, even with infants. 

This article highlights that probiotics are still not accepted yet as standard treatment for constipation, and that most physicians will try water, fiber and laxatives first.  We're looking forward to the day when probiotics will be recommended as first-line treatment for constipation. 

Keep probiotics in your tool box.  They are a great place to start, not only for children with constipation and diarrhea, but for all children to support a healthy immune system.