In this guide you'll learn:

✔ What causes constipation in babies

✔ Foods that can cause constipation

✔ Foods that help soften your baby's poo

✔ Whether bananas really cause constipation

✔ How much water babies should drink

✔ When to worry about constipation

✔ When to see your GP or paediatrician

Constipation is one of the most common concerns parents have after their baby starts solids. While some babies naturally take a little time to adjust to new foods, others may develop hard, dry stools that are uncomfortable and difficult to pass. The good news is that, in most cases, simple changes to your baby's diet and hydration can make a big difference.

In this guide, I'll explain which foods may contribute to constipation, which foods can help soften your baby's poo, and what else you can do at home to support healthy digestion. I'll also cover when constipation may be a sign that your baby should be assessed by your GP or paediatrician.

Here are signs that your baby may be constipated:

• Hard, pebble like or dry stools
• Very infrequent bowel movements (over 7-10 days without a poo)
• Their belly feels firm or hard
• Decreased appetite
• Straining to pass stools
• Looking pained, arching their back or crying when attempting to poo
• Streaks of blood from anal fissures (small tear in the bottom)
• Large stools
• Unusually smelly gas and stool

Breastfeeding babies are almost NEVER constipated! See more on this below.

Remember that constipation refers to the consistency of the poo, not the frequency.

The four things that matter most for preventing constipation

1. Eat the rainbow
2. Variety
3. Fibre
4. Hydration

Common causes of constipation in babies include:

• Starting solids
• Not enough fibre
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Too much fructose
• Cow's milk protein intolerance (in some babies)

Sometimes constipation simply happens because a child’s solid food intake increases rapidly and their digestive system isn’t quite ready to manage it all. Other times it can be caused by inadequate fibre or fluids. It can also be caused by excessive fructose intake. If the constipation coincides with the introduction of specific foods (e.g. yoghurt in a breastfed baby) then it can sometimes be a residual intolerance to cow milk protein.

In general, I recommend a balance of foods for your baby, not just focusing on one food group and making sure that there is adequate fluid intake. This means there’s no need to introduce pumpkin for a week, then chicken for a week, etc. Just mix things up from the very beginning of solids exposure.

Frequency of bowel actions does not define constipation in babies:

Lots of parents come to me panicking that their baby or child is constipated because they haven’t poo’d in a week …but when they do poo, it’s a soft consistency and passes easily. These babies are perfectly healthy and not constipated. Constipation is about the consistency of poo, not the frequency necessarily.

The range of what’s normal for the number of bowel movements in babies is exceptionally broad.

NORMAL is anything from one poo every seven days to seven poos in one day. Yes, there’s that much variability in what’s normal

Watch for consistency of baby poop (soft is good) and comfort rather than frequency. See my blog on baby poo colours for more on the specifics of poo colour and poo types.

If your baby passes a soft bowel action, even as infrequently as weekly, this is not constipation. 

Can starting on solids change a baby’s poo?

One common question I get a lot relates to constipation and the changes in a baby’s stool after starting solids.

It should come as no surprise that stools change with the introduction of solids, just as anybody’s stools would change – at any age – when their diet changes; think travelling abroad.

While it’s wise to avoid foods that tend to constipate, it’s not because the poo is particularly hard. The large bowel hasn’t learned to move through harder stools, not to mention possible low water intake. The solution here is to remove offending foods and use softening ingredients, not to delay solids entirely.

Sometimes babies simply find it difficult to coordinate the muscle changes required to pass a poo.

It’s common when a baby starts solids that the stool changes and your babies body needs to learn how to pass this new type of poo.

If you can see your baby is having trouble pooing but the stool itself is soft it may be a sign they are finding it difficult to coordinate the muscle changes required to poo.

When this occurs, your baby may show signs of discomfort and you can help them focus their attention to their bottom (anus) by using the spike of a twisted tissue to ‘tickle’ their anus while they try to push.

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How hydration helps prevent constipation in babies

We can’t talk about constipation relief without mentioning the importance of hydration. Even after you introduce solids, breastmilk or formula will remain your baby’s primary source of hydration for a long period of time.

But…once you have introduced solids I recommend offering small sips of cooled, boiled water to help alleviate and prevent constipation.

Just like all other foods, it can take some time to figure out how to drink water as it has a different viscosity to breastmilk or infant formula. I encourage water to be offered in a sippy cup of some sort (lots of parents like the straw cups) but I recommend trying a few different sippy cups to find the one that suits the child best. As dexterity improves, you’ll move towards an open cup – get ready for all the splashes and spills!

Just a few sips can make a difference!

Why fibre is so important for babies

Dietary diversity (eating the rainbow) and high fibre (both soluble and insoluble fibre) intake seems to have the greatest impact on the gut microbiome and digestive system in general as solids are introduced (Homann, Rossel et al 2021). When in doubt for both babies and adults – offer a range of plant-based fibres.

Foods that cause constipation in babies 

Before you keep reading:

This isn’t a message for families to avoid these foods – if they aren’t causing a problem, then don’t worry. This is just a list of foods to review if your baby is suffering from constipation. Lots of times when I review a baby who has just started solids, all they have eaten for the last 4 weeks is rice cereal, bananas and yoghurt, without a sip of water – this combination for a baby whose body is adjusting to the transition to solid foods can cause lots of problems.

While many of these foods listed below are brilliant foods to start with, they are also the top 3 culprits for constipation. Like us, our babies need variety, so it’s important to regularly introduce new foods and flavours, keeping their diet bright and fresh with lots of fibre.

1. Can rice cereal cause constipation?

• A common first food, rice cereal is low in fibre and can bind your baby’s bowel movements.
• If rice cereal is a staple in your baby’s diet, consider mixing it up with more fibrous alternatives and where possible mix it with breastmilk in the early days of introduction.
  

2. Can bananas and apples cause constipation?

• While fruits are generally great baby foods, bananas and applesauce contain pectin, a soluble fibre that can slow down the intestines when consumed in large amounts. Moderation is key!
  

3. Can dairy cause constipation?

• In some babies, especially those with a mild intolerance, dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, and cow’s milk can be constipating.
• Keep an eye on your baby’s response to these foods, intolerances will show up as stringy mucus in the poo
  

4. Can iron rich foods cause constipation?

• Iron rich foods and the commencement of solids can sometimes lead to constipation in babies.
• While iron is vital for your baby’s growth (and sleep), too much of it with not enough fibre can cause constipation. Ensure a balanced diet.
  

5. Can processed foods cause constipation?

• These aren’t recommended for babies in any case but any processed foods, including baby snacks, can be low in fibre and high in fats, leading to slower digestion which can cause constipation

Best foods to relieve constipation in babies

If your baby is experiencing constipation, these foods might help ease their discomfort and relieve constipation:

1. Pears, Plums, and Peaches:

• Pears are often one of the first foods I recommend when parents ask me what to feed a constipated baby.
• These “P” fruits are your pals when it comes to constipation.
• They’re rich in fibre and natural sugars like sorbitol, which help regulate bowel movements.
• Remember fibre is your friend: there is overwhelming evidence that fibre – particularly a range of diverse plant based fibres – is the key to a healthy digestive system.
• Offer them pureed or as a soft finger food, depending on your baby’s age and feeding stage.

2. Prunes:

• Another “P” and a classic remedy!
  
• Prune juice or pureed prunes are particularly effective because they contain high levels of sorbitol.
  
• Start with small amounts and adjust based on your baby’s nappies.

3. Vegetables:

• Green peas, carrots, and broccoli are not only nutritious but also packed with fibre, which helps soften stool.
• Sweet potatoes are brilliant because they are high in fibre, offer dense calories …and best of all nearly all kids adore them. They are also easy to puree, mash or serve as chips for older kids
• Introduce them steamed and mashed, or as finger-foods for older babies.

4. Beans and Lentils:

• For babies ready for a variety of textures, well-cooked beans and lentils can provide a fibre boost
• Blend them into purees or add them to soups
  
• Note: I don’t recommend these for babies under 8 months as they can cause too much gas and upset their tummies

5. Whole Grains:

• Replace white rice and white bread with whole-grain alternatives like barley, oatmeal, and brown rice.
• These contain more fibre and nutrients, promoting a healthier bowel movement.

What should I do if my baby refuses high fibre foods?

Like most things for babies, learning to eat is a new skill, smaller babies are still learning to eat, so getting high volumes of any food into them can be tricky.

All my tips and hints are in my blog – Starting Solids & Testing Allergens. As you introduce food it’s important to offer them over a few days, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised that a food they didn’t like one day… they then love in 2 days time – consistency and persistence are key, never be disheartened and always offer food in a fun and happy way. Remember, it can take multiple attempts before a baby accepts a new food.

Older babies can be picky (but this is normally 18 months +, see my Toddler Toolkit for more information on this age group and fussy eaters). 

Keep offering a variety of high-fibre foods in different forms and combinations. You can also try mixing them with foods your baby already likes.

Breast milk and constipation:

Breast milk is often called the ‘perfect food’ for a baby’s digestive system. Breastfed babies and nearly never constipated, breast milk is so readily digestible and absorbed. It’s one of the reasons breastfed babies can poo so infrequently and still be perfectly healthy! This often surprises parents because breastfed babies may go several days without a poo. As long as the stool is soft when it arrives, this is completely normal.

Formula-fed babies and constipation:

Formula-fed babies might experience constipation more frequently than their breastfed counterparts. This can be due to the different composition of formula, which can be harder for some babies to digest. If constipation occurs, parents may need to consult with a paediatrician, who might suggest trying a different type of formula, adjusting feeding techniques or administering a softener.

Similar to above with Iron rich foods at the commencement of solids – many formula brands also suggest switching to ‘stage 2’ versions to increase the iron content. It is perfectly safe to remain on newborn/starter versions of common formula brands, especially if flow-on versions are causing constipation.

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Can switching from breastmilk to formula cause constipation?

Yes, the introduction of formula can impact your baby’s bowel movements, but babies need to be fed – so if there’s inadequate breast milk (for whatever reason) never let a baby go hungry. Formula can be harder for some babies to digest compared to breastmilk. If possible, transition slowly and monitor your baby’s response. Always talk to your healthcare professional if you need advice.

When should I see a doctor about my baby's constipation?

As mentioned up top, this blog isn’t medical advice and if in doubt – always consult your healthcare professional. It might be time to talk to your baby’s GP or paediatrician if:

• The simple remedies listed above aren’t improving things
• Your baby seems unusually uncomfortable
• Your baby continues to have hard or dry stools

Also, look out for symptoms like a hard bloated belly, refusing to eat, or blood in the stool.

Relieving constipation in your baby might be as simple as switching some foods, but for other babies they may need to be prescribed something or even have scans (ie abdominal ultrasound or x-ray). Every baby is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. I don’t recommend offering any stool softeners, other medicines or supplements without the guidance of your baby’s doctor or paediatrician.

Remember, when it comes to healthy bowel habits, the goal is to maintain a colourful & fresh diet, rich in fibre and hydration… this goes for babies and adults!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: Can bananas cause constipation?

Bananas are often blamed for constipation, but they're rarely the whole story. While eating large amounts of banana may contribute to firmer stools in some babies, it's usually the overall balance of the diet that matters most.

Rather than avoiding bananas completely, focus on offering a wide variety of colourful fruits, vegetables and fibre-rich foods. My advice is simple: eat the rainbow. A varied diet, along with good hydration, is one of the best ways to keep your baby's bowel motions soft.

FAQ 2: Can rice cereal cause constipation?

Rice cereal is one of the most common foods I see contributing to constipation when babies first start solids. It's relatively low in fibre, and if it's eaten frequently without enough fruit, vegetables and water, stools can become firmer.

There's no need to avoid rice cereal altogether, but don't let it become your baby's main food. Mix things up from the beginning by offering a variety of iron-rich foods, fruits and vegetables.

FAQ 3: Does yoghurt cause constipation?

Most babies tolerate yoghurt very well, but in some babies, particularly those with a cow's milk protein intolerance, dairy products may contribute to constipation.

For most babies, the issue isn't yoghurt itself, but a lack of dietary variety. If your baby is eating plenty of colourful fruits, vegetables, fibre and drinking enough fluids, yoghurt can still be part of a healthy diet.

FAQ 4: Does cheese cause constipation?

Cheese is low in fibre, so eating large amounts without enough fruits, vegetables and wholegrains may contribute to constipation.

Rather than removing cheese completely, look at your baby's overall diet. A balanced diet with plenty of fibre and hydration is usually far more important than avoiding any one food.

FAQ 5: How much water should a constipated baby drink?

Once your baby has started solids, offer small sips of cooled, boiled water with meals. Breastmilk or formula should still provide most of their hydration during the first year, but water helps support healthy digestion and soften stools.

Don't worry if your baby doesn't drink much at first. Like eating solids, learning to drink water takes practice.

FAQ 6: How long does constipation last after starting solids?

It's very common for babies to become constipated when they first start solids. As their digestive system adapts to new foods, stools often become firmer for a short time.

Most babies improve within a few days once they're eating a varied, fibre-rich diet and drinking enough fluids. If constipation persists or your baby seems uncomfortable, speak with your GP or paediatrician.

FAQ 7: Can starting solids cause constipation?

Yes. Starting solids is one of the most common times babies experience constipation. Their digestive system is adjusting to new foods, different textures and changing fibre intake.

Rather than delaying solids, continue introducing a wide variety of foods while encouraging hydration and including fibre-rich fruits and vegetables. Most babies adjust quickly with time.

FAQ 8: Should I give my baby prune juice?

Prunes are one of the best natural foods for constipation because they're rich in fibre and sorbitol, which helps soften stools.

If your baby has started solids, prune purée or small amounts of prune juice can be helpful. Remember though, prunes work best as part of an overall diet that's rich in colourful fruits, vegetables, fibre and fluids.

FAQ 9: Can breastfed babies become constipated?

Exclusively breastfed babies are almost never truly constipated. Breast milk is so easily digested that some babies naturally go several days without a bowel motion.

If your baby eventually passes a soft stool comfortably, they're not constipated. Remember, constipation is about the consistency of the poo, not how often your baby poos.

FAQ 10: What foods soften baby poo?

Some of the best foods to help soften stools include:

• Pears
• Prunes
• Plums
• Peaches
• Green peas
• Broccoli
• Sweet potato
• Wholegrain cereals (when age appropriate)

These foods are naturally rich in fibre, and many also contain sorbitol, which helps keep bowel motions soft.

FAQ 11: How often should my baby poo?

There's a huge range of what's considered normal. Healthy babies may poo anywhere from once every seven days to seven times in one day.

Rather than focusing on frequency, pay attention to the consistency of the poo and whether your baby passes it comfortably. Soft stools, even if they're infrequent, are reassuring.

FAQ 12: When should I worry about constipation?

Most constipation improves with simple changes to diet and hydration. However, you should speak with your GP or paediatrician if your baby has ongoing hard or painful stools, a swollen tummy, blood in their poo, refuses feeds, or seems increasingly uncomfortable.

If you're ever unsure, it's always worth having your baby assessed.

Still worried about your baby's digestion? You might also find my guides on Starting Solids & Testing Allergens, Baby Poo Colours Explained, and Baby Wake Windows helpful. Together, these resources answer many of the most common questions parents have during the first year.