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A challenge you may be facing as a parent is relieving your infant’s or newborn’s constipation. At some time, almost all babies will seem to have difficulty passing stools, so grunting noises and strained faces can be normal. But if your baby's stools are infrequent, hard pellets, dry, painful and difficult to pass, talk to your baby’s doctor. That also holds true if you see blood in the stool. Every baby's bowel movements are different, so becoming familiar with what's normal for your baby is the best way to tell if they’re having a problem. Don't judge whether your newborn or infant is constipated by how frequently they poop. Sometimes, babies may go several days without having a bowel movement. Fewer bowel movements do not mean that your baby is constipated as long as the stools are soft and pain free.
Here are tips to help your constipated newborn or infant:
- Gently move your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion.1
- Give your baby a gentle tummy massage.2
For treating constipation in infants 6+ months of age:
- If your infant is on a variety of solid foods, feed them foods that are high in fibre such as whole grain breads and cereals; fruits like apples, berries, or prunes; vegetables; and legumes (beans, peas, lentils). Just make sure they are at the right texture for your baby.
- Gradually add higher fibre foods to your baby’s diet.
- Give your infant extra fluids such as water.
- Offer them small amounts, up to 30mL, of 100% apple, pear or prune juice between feedings to a maximum of 125mL in 24 hours.3 Juice should not replace regular feedings and can stop once your baby has a bowel movement.3
If you have any concerns about treating your infant’s or newborn’s constipation, consult with your baby’s doctor.
Learn More: Canadian Paediatric Society