How to relieve a constipated baby

I know all too well the challenge that constipation can cause for your little one! It was only recently that I was clearing some phone storage that I stumbled across a gallery of images of my daughter’s dirty nappies. I literally spent the first year of motherhood tracking and taking pictures of them, because of the tummy issues she had since birth.

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What we experienced was probably at the more extreme end of the tummy issue spectrum. What started off as discomfort and a lot of wind pain as a baby (I can still see her little face in agony as she would pull her knees up to her chest!), then progressed to mucusy, green nappies and eventually blood in her stools. This was the start of our dairy allergy journey and one that would continue into the toddler years.

In the early days, constipation wasn’t an issue for us at all. In fact, we were at the other end of the spectrum with the poo explosions and her green, mucousy nappies. She was a breastfed baby after all!

Breastfed babies rarely experience constipation in the early weeks… newborn nappies are famously sloppy. But this all changes when you introduce formula or start solids.

After a year or so of seeing an allergy specialist, and eliminating dairy (and on one occasion soy), she started to build up a tolerance again and we were able to reintroduce dairy into her diet.

It wasn’t until after this that we went through a period of constipation. My suspicions told me this was a result of her earlier dairy allergies, but I also knew that a balanced diet and drinking water was also important. It isn’t always easy to stay in control of a toddler’s diet, especially when they spend the week in daycare and go through fussy periods at home. For anyone that has been through the toddler years, you would have experienced periods where carbs and fruit become the preferred staple diet – and sometimes you just don’t have the energy to fight it!

When we were going through toilet training, the constipation issues clearly became an issue. There was a lot of bloating, straining and eventually, a fear of doing poos in the toilet. We ended up on a child laxative for some time before it eventually balanced itself out again and we were back to normal. I truly believe this was a result of getting a balanced diet in place and the fact that her tummy had matured.

You can understand why new mums have this weird obsession with anything feeding and nappy related. It’s all we are asked about, talk about, and worry about (in addition to sleep, of course!)

So if you are reading this because you have concerns about constipation, here is what you need to know.

Understanding Your Baby’s Poop

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The consistency of your baby’s stool depends on what they are being fed and changes as solids are introduced into their diet (typically between 4 to 6 months of age). This is because your baby’s digestive system becomes more mature, handling each stage of their diet differently.

Babies that are fed with breast milk tend to have runny stools to begin with, but you should notice them getting firmer and less frequent over time. Babies who are fed formula tend to have slightly firmer stools than breastfed babies, and fewer bowel movements.

In the very early days, it’s totally normal for newborns to poo after ever feed… or even during the feed! But it’s also normal for a breastfed baby to only poo on once a week too. What’s important is recognising what’s a normal pattern for your bub, and spotting any signs of change or discomfort.

Be sure to double-check that your milk formula is made with the correct water-to-formula ratio, as not enough water can also make your baby’s stool too firm.

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What Causes Constipation?

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The most common cause of constipation in babies is not getting enough fluids in their diet. Although it can still happen, constipation is quite rare in a baby who is exclusively breastfed, as breast milk is easily absorbed and digested.

Other causes can include:

• A milk-protein allergy or intolerance
• A sudden dietary change, like starting solids
• Consuming too many binding foods like bananas, rice, or dairy
• Illness or low activity levels
• Formula that’s not mixed properly

Occasionally with particularly hard stools, it can cause small tears (or anal fissures) around your baby’s bottom, leading to bleeding and pain. This can also make your bub scared of pooping… which just makes things even worse.

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Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

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• Hard, dry, or crumbly stools that look like small pebbles
• Crying, irritability, or discomfort before passing a stool
• A hard or bloated tummy
• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Foul-smelling wind
• Loss of appetite
• Anal fissures or blood in stool 

And in a confusing twist, very liquid stools can also be a sign of constipation, or something called encopresis. The liquid poo can seep around a blockage, mimicking diarrhoea – so it’s always worth checking with your doctor or baby health nurse if you’re unsure. 

Baby Constipation Remedies

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Here are a few simple strategies to get things moving again:

1. Massage

Try gently massaging your baby’s belly. Measure three finger-widths below the navel on the lower left side and apply light pressure until you feel firmness. Maintain pressure for up to three minutes if your baby is comfortable. You can also try gentle bicycle leg movements to help stimulate their intestines.

2. Prune Juice 

If your baby is at least four months old, a small amount of prune juice (around 30mls) added to breast milk or formula can help. Prunes are naturally high in fibre and contain sorbitol, a natural laxative. But always consult with your doctor or health care professional first before trying this with your baby if they haven’t started solids yet.

3. Adjust Their Diet

If your baby has started solids, consider reducing foods known to cause constipation such as rice, bananas, and cereal. Instead, offer high-fibre options such as pears, peaches, prunes, and vegetables. Keep an eye on dairy intake, particularly yoghurt and cheese.

When to See a Doctor

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Most cases of constipation will resolve with a few changes to diet or routine. However, you should speak to a healthcare professional if:

• Your baby is younger than six weeks and is constipated
• There’s blood in their stool
• They have a fever
• They’re vomiting bile (green) or blood
• They’ve not had a bowel movement in several days and seem distressed

Wrapping Up

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While constipation is a bit of a ‘crap’ subject, it’s important to address any health issues as they arise. With patience, the right diet and medical advice when needed, your baby’s tummy troubles will be sorted in no time. You’ve got this!