Your baby strains, goes red and cries, but nothing comes out for days. Or the poo that does arrive is hard and pebble-like. Baby constipation is common, especially with formula feeding or when starting solids. Many babies who strain are not actually constipated, so it helps to know what is normal. Here are the signs and gentle ways to help.
Quick answer: baby constipation
- Normal: poo frequency varies a lot; breastfed babies may go several days without a poo and still be fine if it is soft.
- Constipation signs: hard, dry or pellet-like poo, pain when pooing, fewer poos than usual.
- Gentle help: extra fluids, tummy massage, bicycle legs and, for older babies, fibre-rich foods.
- Do not give laxatives without a doctor’s advice.
What is normal?
- Breastfed babies: after the first weeks, anywhere from several poos a day to one every few days.
- Formula-fed babies: usually once a day or every other day, firmer than breastfed poo.
- Straining and going red is common in young babies learning to coordinate muscles, even when poo is soft (infant dyschezia).
Common causes
- formula made up too strong
- starting solids or changing formula
- not enough fluids, for example in hot weather or illness
- low-fibre diet in older babies
Gentle remedies
- Check formula preparation: always add water first, then level scoops.
- Offer extra fluids: extra milk feeds for young babies; sips of water from 6 months.
- Tummy massage in gentle clockwise circles.
- Bicycle legs while your baby lies on their back.
- A warm bath to relax the muscles.
- For babies eating solids: offer pureed prunes, pears, plums, peas, oats and whole grains.
See nutrient-rich foods for babies and baby gas relief.
What to avoid
- inserting thermometers, cotton buds or other objects to stimulate a poo
- laxatives, suppositories or juice for young babies unless advised
- honey before 12 months
- diluting formula
When to talk to your doctor
- a baby under 4 weeks who has not pooed for several days, or a newborn who did not pass meconium in the first 48 hours
- blood in the poo, or a swollen, hard tummy
- vomiting, especially green vomit: seek urgent help
- constipation with poor feeding or weight gain
- constipation lasting more than 2 weeks, or remedies are not helping
Frequently asked questions
Can teething cause constipation?
There is little evidence, though babies may drink less while teething.
Is it constipation if my baby strains but poo is soft?
No. Soft poo with straining is usually normal and improves with time.
Are iron-fortified formulas a cause?
Studies have not shown that iron in formula causes constipation.
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Sources
- NHS: Constipation in children
- NICE: Constipation in children and young people
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Infant Constipation
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby’s poo, talk to your doctor or health visitor.