Tips for Easing Your Baby’s Constipation

Being a parent is exciting and busy, and when your baby is struggling with constipation, it can make things challenging. Infant constipation is typically defined as having fewer bowel movements or passing hard, dry stools, often causing discomfort for your little one.

We’ll share helpful tips for easing your baby’s constipation so you can both enjoy special moments more comfortably.

Symptoms and Signs of Constipation in Babies

It can be hard to tell whether your baby is constipated. Although the main symptom of infant constipation is hard, dry stools, there are other signs to look out for in your baby:

• Passing fewer stools
• Straining while trying to pass a stool
• Being fussy — crying and spitting more than usual
• Experiencing abdominal discomfort or pain — bloating, distended, and hard belly
• Showing changes in stool consistency — from soft to hard
• Bleeding is prevalent in their stools or in their diapers
• Eating less with fewer feeding sessions

Each baby is unique and will have unique defecation patterns. In general, infants may defecate four times daily, but that will vary depending on your baby’s own pattern.

5 Tips to Ease Infant Constipation

If you think your baby is constipated, there are various home remedies you can try — ranging from dietary changes to gentle massages.

1. Introduce Fiber-Rich Foods

Dietary fiber is an essential component that helps relieve constipation by bulking and softening stools. So, how much fiber does an infant need? There is no recommended daily amount for children under 2 years. However, caregivers can serve various fruits, vegetables, and easily digestible starches to their babies as long as they’re accompanied by enough fluids.

Fiber-rich foods you could introduce into your little one’s diet after starting the weaning journey include:

• Vegetables like peas, green beans, broccoli, and carrots
• Fruits like apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and plums
• Starchy foods like oats, pasta, rice, and sweet potatoes

Making dietary changes for infants will require some trial and error. Introduce new fibrous foods gradually, trying one simple ingredient at a time. If your baby is too young for solid food, you can try baby-friendly puree recipes to see how they react. Alternatively, you can opt for finger foods once your baby is old enough.

2. Keep Baby Hydrated

Hydration and fiber are like two peas in a pod. While fiber helps form a baby’s poop, hydrating liquids help keep it soft, making it easier to pass. Ensure your baby is hydrated with age-appropriate fluids, such as:

• Breastmilk
• Formula
• Water
• Juice
• Hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, carrots, and zucchini

If your baby is still on breastmilk or formula, then they typically don’t need supplemental liquids.

3. Perform Tummy Massages

Sometimes, a gentle tummy massage can help. Abdominal massages help promote the contractions responsible for moving stools through the digestive tract.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for gentle tummy massages:

1. Warm your hands.
2. Lay your baby down flat on their back.
3. Place your fingertips just below their belly button.
4. Massage the area in a clockwise motion for one minute — be gentle.
5. Hold your baby’s ankles, press one leg against their chest, and hold for a few seconds — repeat with their other leg.

You can massage your baby with their clothes on. However, skin-to-skin contact provides that extra warm that could further help with their constipation. If you’re also going diaper-free during this session, ensure there is something underneath in case your baby has a bowel movement.

4. Try Simple Exercises

Movement and exercise can help stimulate bowel movements in adults and babies. Although infants may not know how to crawl or walk yet, parents can intervene by performing gentle, simple motions.

One exercise to try is “bicycle legs”:

1. Lay your baby down flat on their back.
2. Hold your baby’s legs and gently turn them in a cycling motion.

It’s a simple exercise that helps their stomach muscles move, gently putting pressure on their intestines to stimulate a bowel movement.

5. Give Baby a Warm Bath

A nice warm bath can help calm and relax your baby’s muscles, including those in their abdomen. The warmth of the water may stimulate their digestive system, making it easier for them to pass stool.

It’s also a comforting experience for your baby that may alleviate stress and discomfort caused by constipation. Feel free to give their tummy a gentle, circular massage to further encourage a bowel movement.

Just remember to keep the water at a safe, lukewarm temperature.

Causes of Infant Constipation

There are various possible causes of infant constipation. Reasons can vary depending on your baby’s age, diet, and their health. Some of the most common include:

• Dietary changes: Switching from breast milk to formula can be tough on a baby’s tummy as formula is sometimes harder to digest. Starting solids can also slow things down as their little digestive system adjusts to new foods.
• Dehydration: If your baby isn’t drinking enough breast milk, formula, or water, their stools can get hard and dry. Without enough fluids, it’s much harder for them to poop comfortably.
• Low fiber intake: Once solids are introduced, low-fiber foods like rice cereal or processed snacks can worsen constipation.
• Immature digestive system: Babies’ digestive systems are still learning how to work properly — especially in those first few months. Sometimes this means their pooping schedule isn’t quite regular yet.
• Holding stool: Older babies might hold in their poop because it feels uncomfortable or they’re still getting used to the sensation. Unfortunately, the longer they hold it in, the harder and more painful it can become.
• Underlying medical conditions: In rare cases, constipation might be caused by a medical condition. If you’re worried, a quick check with the pediatrician can help rule these out.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions, we may have the answers below.

What Foods Help Baby Poop?

The four P’s — peaches, pears, plums, prunes — can help babies poop. Other fibrous foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Can Breast Milk Cause Constipation?

Breast milk is usually very easy for babies to digest and rarely causes constipation. If constipation occurs in a breastfed baby, it may be due to other factors like dehydration or an underlying health condition.

Can Formula Cause Constipation?

Yes, some formulas can be harder for babies to digest. If constipation is persistent, talk to your pediatrician about switching to a different formula.

How Can I Help My Baby if They’re Constipated but Are Too Young for Solid Foods?

For younger babies, make sure they’re well-hydrated with breast milk or formula. You can also try gentle tummy massages or moving their legs in a bicycle motion to relieve gas and promote digestion.

How Long Can a Baby Go Without a Bowel Movement?

Babies may go several days without pooping, depending on how they’re fed. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and not showing discomfort, it’s usually not a concern. If your baby hasn’t pooped in over a week, contact a doctor.

Is It Safe to Give My Baby Stool Softeners or Laxatives?

Always consult your pediatrician before giving any medications, including stool softeners or laxatives. Most pediatricians will suggest natural remedies or a change in diet before considering medication.

Healthy Meals, Happy Tummy, More Family Time

Life is busy enough, and adding a constipated baby to the mix can make it feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you save time without compromising on nutrition. Nurture Life’s Baby Finger Foods are the perfect solution for you and your baby.

Our food philosophy focuses on fresh veggies in every delicious and nutritious meal, so you can rest assured your baby’s self-feeding journey is off to a great start. Let us help take the stress out of mealtime and give you more time to focus on what matters most — enjoying precious family moments.

Ready to make mealtime easier and support your baby’s digestive health? Order from Nurture Life today and discover the convenience of healthy, nutritious meals delivered right to your door.