Constipation in babies and children
If your baby has infrequent bowel movements during their first few weeks of life, they may not be drinking enough milk.
After the age of 6 weeks, babies don’t absolutely have to have a bowel movement every 24 hours. Your baby may sometimes go several days without a bowel movement. If this is the case and their stools are soft, everything is normal and there is no cause for concern.
Does your baby strain and turn red during bowel movements? If their stools appear normal, there’s no need to worry, either.
However, if they are in pain and their stools are small, hard and dry, they are probably constipated.
Hard stools can cause anal fissures (small tears), which can further complicate the problem
Good to know
Iron contained in commercial infant formula does not cause constipation.
Introducing food or juice before the age of 6 months or so does not prevent constipation.
Babies under 6 months who are exclusively milk-fed (breast milk or commercial infant formula)
What to do
If your baby appears to be suffering, try the following helpful tips:
- Make sure your baby is drinking enough breast milk or commercial infant formula (see Is your baby drinking enough milk?).
- If your baby is being fed with commercial infant formula, make sure you are diluting the formula with the proper amount of water, as recommended on the label.
Whether you are breastfeeding or using commercial infant formula, giving your baby water before the age of about 6 months is not recommended (see When to give your baby water).
See a doctor if you don’t think your baby is getting any relief.
Babies 6 months and older who are eating food
Never give your baby a laxative or commercial fibre supplement without medical advice.
No single food causes constipation. It’s usually the lack of fibre in food that is responsible.
What to do
If your baby appears to be suffering, try the following helpful tips:
- Give your child foods that are rich in fibre:
- Fruits (including prunes, pears, and apples)
- Vegetables
- Whole grain products
- Legumes
- Give them water in addition to milk. This is especially important if you are giving them more fibre.
If the constipation persists, your baby vomits, has blood in their stools, or is not gaining enough weight, see a doctor.