What to Do if Your Baby Is Constipated

If the constipation is new and mild, it might resolve itself. Continue regular breastmilk or formula feedings and continue offering solid foods. Your baby’s digestive system is still adapting to new forms of nourishment and some digestive changes are normal. If problems persist (and don’t wait too long), here are some things you can try:

LIMIT CONSTIPATING FOODS

Foods that can bind a baby up include under-ripe bananas, applesauce, dairy products such as cheese, rice cereal, bread, pasta, and other processed grains. Infant formula can cause constipation if not mixed according to the package directions.

OFFER WATER

Even very mild dehydration can cause constipation. Adding small amounts of water to your baby’s diet can alleviate constipation. You can offer water to sip from an open cup with your help, in small amounts throughout the day (up to 4 ounces per day). 

JUICE 

If your baby is eating purees and/or finger foods, you can also try the food versions below. See Offer Foods That Help. It is somewhat variable which option (the juice version or the whole fruit version) will work best, it also depends how much your child takes in.

While it is certainly true that most healthcare providers recommend never giving juice as a staple for your child’s fluid intake, you can offer for the short term some diluted juice, if water does not help. Mix any of the P-fruit (pear, peach, or prune) juices with an equal amount of water and offer between 2 to 4 ounces of that mix per day. If this does not resolve the problem, please consult with your child’s healthcare provider for additional support.  

OFFER FOODS THAT HELP

If your baby is eating finger foods, you can offer soft fruit cut into long strips or bite-sized pieces. Soft ripe pears, peaches, plums, and prunes—p-fruits--- (cooked until soft enough to mash with a fork) are great for constipation. If you are spoon-feeding your baby and haven’t introduced textures yet, you can offer pureed versions of the “P-fruits.” Oatmeal (with P-fruits mixed in) is rich in fiber and can help constipation. If this does not elevate the problem, please consult with your child’s healthcare provider for additional support.  

Lastly, if constipation becomes more than an occasional annoyance, probiotics have been shown to help. You can ask your child’s healthcare provider about using them on a regular basis to help with this issue.