Baby constipation

Constipation is quite common amongst babies; the information below will outline the causes and symptoms of constipation and offer advice on treating and preventing the condition.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition which affects the ability to pass regular stools. Constipation often causes pain and discomfort when passing stools and reduces the frequency of going to the toilet. Constipation can also cause stools to be harder and darker than usual.

What causes constipation?

There are many possible causes of constipation in babies, these include:

  • Formula milk: formula milk is more difficult to digest than breast milk so constipation is more common amongst formula-fed babies. It is rare for breast-fed babies to suffer from constipation.
  • Dehydration: constipation can be caused by dehydration. Dehydration may occur as a result of an illness or infection, which causes your baby to vomit frequently or have diarrhoea, or as a result of an illness which decreases your baby’s appetite, such as a cough, cold or throat infection.
  • Switching foods: some babies suffer from constipation when they change from milk to solid foods; this is usually because the body is adapting to digesting different, more complex foods.
  • Illness or medical problem: sometimes, babies develop constipation as a result of a food allergy, a metabolic disorder or food poisoning. In rare cases, constipation is a symptom of some congenital conditions, including cystic fibrosis and spina bifida.

How do I know when my baby is constipated?

If you think your baby may be constipated, you should look out for the following signs and symptoms:

  • Pain and discomfort before and during passing a poo
  • Hard, dark and dry stools
  • Decrease in the frequency of soiled nappies (usually less than three per week)
  • Foul-smelling wind and stools
  • Bloating in the abdomen (you may also notice that your baby’s stomach feels hard)
  • A loss of appetite
  • cramps
  • Feeling irritable and crying more than usual and displaying colic-like symptoms

As you spend more time with your baby you will get used to their bowel movements; in most cases, you will be able to spot problems which may be affecting your baby. If you notice that your baby hasn’t been for a poo for more than three days, this will probably mean they have constipation.

How is constipation treated?

If you think your baby has constipation, you should try to arrange to see your doctor as soon as possible as the condition gets gradually worse and this will be very uncomfortable for your baby; in the meantime you can try some of the following remedies at home.

  • Ensure your baby is getting plenty of fluids; check your baby’s power to water ratio if you are feeding them formula milk.
  • If your baby has started eating solid foods, try to ensure they get plenty of fruit; fruits such as prunes, apricots, raspberries, strawberries, apricots and bananas can help to combat constipation. You can also give your baby fruit juice if they are having trouble feeding.
  • Massage your baby’s tummy; this can help to soothe pain and cramps and will help to stimulate the digestive system.
  • Bath your baby in warm water: this may help to relax them, calm them down and soothe abdominal pains.
  • Lay your baby down, raise your baby’s legs and move them in a cycling motion; this will help to stimulate the baby’s digestive system.
  • Apply cream or vaseline to your baby’s bottom to ease soreness; constipation can cause redness and soreness around the baby’s anus and this can make babies try harder not to pass a stool.

It is not recommended for infants to be given laxatives without the approval of a doctor; if your baby’s symptoms continue, consult your GP.

Is it possible to prevent constipation?

Constipation is common, especially amongst bottle-fed babies and sometimes it is impossible to prevent; however, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your baby suffering from constipation:

  • If your baby is being bottle-fed, make sure you are using the correct powder to water ratio and give your baby drinks of cooled boiled water between feeds.
  • Ensure your baby gets plenty of fluid as they grow up.
  • When your baby moves to solid foods, give them pureed fruits and vegetables; these are high in fibre and will help to keep your baby regular.
  • Massage your baby’s tummy to stimulate their digestive system

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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