Constipation in Babies After Starting Solids: Food Tips

It is very common for a baby's poop to change once solid food begins. Stools often become thicker, darker and less frequent. Sometimes they become hard and difficult to pass. This guide explains how to tell normal changes from constipation, which foods help, and when to call the doctor.

Is it really constipation?

Babies vary a lot. Some go several times a day, others once every few days. Frequency alone does not mean constipation. Look for these signs:

• Hard, dry stools, sometimes like small pellets
• Straining with clear discomfort or crying when passing stool
• Fewer stools than is normal for your baby, together with hard stools
• A firm tummy and less interest in feeding

Going red in the face and grunting is normal for many babies, as long as the stool that comes out is soft.

Why it happens after starting solids

• Not enough fluid as solids increase
• Lots of low-fibre foods, such as plain rice cereal or white bread
• A sudden change in diet in a short time
• Thick porridges made with too little liquid

Foods that can help

• "P" fruits: pear, papaya, plum, peach and prunes, puréed or mashed
• Soaked and puréed dried fruit: prunes, figs (anjeer) or apricots (khubani), in small amounts
• Whole grains: barley, oats, daliya and ragi instead of only white rice
• Vegetables: lauki, spinach, peas, pumpkin and carrot
• Pulses: well-cooked mashed moong or masoor daal

Make porridges a little thinner than usual, and keep offering breast milk or formula as normal.

Fluids

From 6 months, offer small sips of water from an open cup with meals. You do not need to give large amounts. Breast milk or formula still provides most of your baby's fluids in the first year. Avoid tea, juice and sweet drinks.

Simple things to try at home

• Tummy massage: gentle clockwise circles around the belly button.
• Bicycle legs: lie your baby on their back and move their legs in a slow cycling motion.
• A warm bath to help them relax.
• Movement and tummy time during the day.

What not to do

• No honey before 12 months, even as a constipation remedy. It can cause infant botulism.
• Do not give laxatives, ghutti or gripe water without your doctor's advice.
• Do not insert oil, soap or anything else into your baby's bottom.

When to see a doctor

Contact your paediatrician if your baby:

• Has blood in the stool
• Has a swollen, hard tummy or is vomiting
• Has a fever or seems unwell
• Refuses feeds or is not gaining weight
• Has been constipated for more than a few days despite diet changes, or has had problems since birth

A day of constipation-friendly meals (8 months and up)

• Breakfast: thin barley or oats porridge with puréed pear
• Lunch: mashed moong daal with lauki and a little rice
• Afternoon: mashed papaya
• Water: small sips with each meal

A quick high-fibre option

Nutri Bowl Wholesome Barley Savory combines barley with carrot, beetroot, spinach and bottle gourd, with no preservatives. Prepare it with a little extra water for a softer, thinner texture. Barley contains gluten, so offer it once your baby has tried wheat or barley on their own.

More on starting solids: 6 Month Baby Food Chart and Talbina for Babies.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby's stools or health, please see your paediatrician.

Try it: order Wholesome Barley Savory, or add it to a Pack of 3. Cash on delivery across Pakistan.