What to do when baby’s constipated

Isn’t it funny how suddenly the talk of poop is now a major topic! New parents are sometimes surprised at how much thought, talk and worry goes into it, and although we laugh and joke, it’s actually a very serious matter.

How can I tell if my baby is constipated?

When it comes to a baby’s bowel movements, there is often no normal number or schedule. Similar to adults, babies’ bowel movement patterns vary and a poop can also change in texture from day to day.

Some signs to look out for are:

• Crying and discomfort, irritability or pain before doing a poop
• Dry, hard, pellet-like poop that they have trouble passing
• Fewer than three bowel movements a week
• Foul-smelling wind and poop
• Loss of appetite
• A hard belly

As odd as it sounds, very liquid poop can be also be sign of constipation. Liquid poop can slip past the blockage of hard poo in the lower intestine. If you see this, don’t assume it’s diarrhoea. It may be evidence of constipation.

When a baby is “pooping” regularly, it usually means that all the pipes are in good working order and that your little one is getting enough to eat and disposing of the rest.  So it’s understandable that the absence of, or any noticeable change in consistency, can stress parents out. As food is largely to blame when it comes to constipation, the first thing we need to do is take a closer look at baby’s diet.

On average, newborn babies up to the age of four months, poop three to four times a day

Constipation in newborns

Constipation in newborns is fairly uncommon as babies are on an all-liquid diet, so their food is more easily absorbed and digested. On average, newborns poop three to four times a day. However, rather than frequency, the most important thing to watch for, is that it’s soft. If an infant’s poop is hard, it’s a sign that it’s staying in there longer than we want it to.

Constipation and breastfed babies

Breastfed babies can be all over the map when it comes to their poop schedule, making it even easier to think constipation is to blame. Some infants will poop after every feeding, whereas others can sometimes go several days before releasing their bowels. These long stretches can be attributed to how easy it is for babies to digest breast milk. The ability of a baby’s gut to absorb breast milk is amazing, so babies may not poop that much, but if you suspect that your baby might be constipated, take a look at mom’s diet, as everything Mom eats gets passed to baby.

The ability of a baby’s gut to absorb breast milk is amazing

Formula-fed babies and constipation

Exclusively formula-fed babies are much more likely to have constipation troubles, as some of the ingredients in formula might be more challenging to a baby’s digestive system and result in much firmer poops. Constipation may also be caused by a milk-protein allergy or intolerance.

Once it is diagnosed, your paediatrician may switch your baby’s formula to one that isn’t milk-based, but parents should consult their paediatrician before making a formula change. Parents might also be tempted to switch to a low-iron formula if they suspect their baby is constipated, but please remember, babies need iron and, although foods high in iron can cause constipation, the amount found in formula isn’t to blame.

Solid foods equals one less poopy nappy a day

Once solid foods are introduced into your baby’s diet, the poop is going to change. Intestines are more mature, meaning that they can compact things and hold on to them longer.  Also more “formed” food usually means more “formed” poop and because the body takes longer to process the food, you’re likely to see one less poopy nappy a day!

Foods to avoid when constipated:

Consider your ABCs — or apple sauces, bananas, and cereals. Too much of any of these, especially cereal, could cause constipation in your baby. Also, keep an eye on dairy products that are popular first foods for babies, such as cheese and yogurt. Low-fibre foods can bind babies up. These include white rice, white bread, and pasta.

Soften the situation

When baby’s poops become more infrequent, harder, or more difficult to pass, try these foods to “soften” the situation:

• Fiber:  Anything containing bran, known for its high-fibre content, should help loosen up your baby’s stool. Think fibre-rich cereals, whole-wheat pasta, and brown rice.
• P fruits:  Pears, plums, peaches and prunes. Their juice counterparts could also do the trick. We love pear juice; it works really well and babies love it.
• B vegetables: Broccoli, beans, and brussels sprouts.
• Water. Sometimes the system just needs a good flushing to get working again.
• Exercise. Get those little legs working with some bicycle motions. Exercise has been shown to improve colon muscle movement.

Toddlers should get 19 grams of fiber each day  

Try not to worry too much if your baby becomes constipated. It’s likely to happen now and then, especially if being formula-fed or eating solids (even teething can sometimes cause a block). With your attention, necessary treatment, and time, baby will soon establish easier, more regular bowel movements again.

Article Source: Jennifer Shu, M.D., an Atlanta-based pediatrician and co-author of Food Fights: Winning The Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor, and A Bottle of Ketchup. Jane Morton, M.D., a clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine

• About
• Latest Posts

Bumbles Cookery Club

The Bumbles™ Cookery Club offers detailed workshops for each vital stage of the weaning process, as well a support and social group for moms to enjoy.

Our goal is to guide and assist moms, and dads, through the different weaning stages and to understand and learn the importance of each stage, when to introduce each food group and how to create delicious, nutritionally balanced meals not only for your little one but for the whole family.

Latest posts by Bumbles Cookery Club (see all)

• Free printable: Bumbles™ Food Plate - November 27, 2014
• Feeding Finn: A mom’s inspiring story - November 26, 2014
• Let’s talk milk and food portions – what’s the ratio? - November 26, 2014