Constipation in older babies (6 months plus and on solid foods) is more often than not caused by, and in turn can be remedied by, diet. Foods such as dairy, rice, apples, bread and bananas can be the cause of constipation in babies. Dehydration can also be a contributing factor in constipation.  In warmer weather especially, it is advisable to ensure adequate water is consumed. Fruit juice, including apple juice is okay for children to drink, although diluted is advisable and be mindful that fruit juice is high in sugars.

High fibre foods such as apricots, prunes, peas and mashed beans are beneficial when it comes to alleviating constipation and incorporating these types of foods into the diet on a regular basis are a great constipation preventative. If incorporating a higher fiber diet ceases to help alleviate constipation it is recommended that you seek assistance from your doctor or a health care professional. They may recommend a glycerin suppository or a laxative such as Maltsupex. Maltsupex can be substituted with ½ teaspoon on processed bran mixed in with stewed fruit such as apricots- never apples. Apples are not good for baby’s digestive system as the pectin they contain can bind food particles in the digestive tract, this does not apply to apple juice though.

Massaging baby’s tummy in a gentle clockwise direction can also help get things moving, as well as help with discomfort they may be feeling. You can also lie the baby on their back and gently cycle their legs while holding their feet. If doing this seems to cause them pain or more discomfort then stop the action immediately and seek medical advice

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Normal bowel function in infants

Usually, meconium is passed in the 24-48 hours following the birth of a child. This is a dark green mucus and bile that has built up in the infant’s bowel. However once this has occurred normal bowel function can be different depending on whether the infant is fed breast milk or a formula.  Newborns that are fed breast milk may defecate up to 5 times a day, with the majority defecating at least 3 times per day within the first few weeks. However only 1 in 3 newborns that are fed with a formula defecate at this rate in the first few weeks. Babies who are fed with a formula are more likely to be constipated but infants fed on breast milk can also go without passing a stool for up to three days, which is normal. As the child gets older, the frequency of defecation reduces. Once the child is around 4 months old, they are likely to go only twice a day whether they are fed breast milk or formula.

Newborns with constipation should be examined by a medical professional.  Once solid foods are introduced at around 6 months, the stool will become firmer.  Constipation may become more of a problem at this point but it may be avoided by including plenty of fibre in the childs diet. Foods high in fibre include cereals and fruit and vegetables. Keeping the babies fluid intake up is also important. If your baby does become constipated, a home treatment is to lay it on its back and gently move the legs as if it was riding a bike. Other baby constipation remedies include gently massaging the stomach, and a warm bath might assist in relaxing the baby and helping to pass a stool. Finally, you could try applying a little water based lubricant to the anus to make passing stools easier. Do not attempt any other treatment such as enemas or laxatives – a medical professional should be consulted if the problem persists or if the child is also vomiting or seems cranky.

Behavioural modification

For toddlers and young children, many cases of constipation can be behavioral rather than due to a medical problem. If the child had problems with painful passage of stools when younger they may become reluctant to pass stools at all. However a doctor should be consulted to assess the reason for the constipation. Your doctor will be able to help you come up with a management plan for the condition, which might include a laxative or stool softener as well as encouragement or other intervention.

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