Constipation is a common condition that can affect babies in their first 6 months. It occurs when a baby has infrequent bowel movements or has difficulty passing hard, dry stools. Constipation is usually temporary and not serious, but it can cause discomfort for babies. Here is a detailed guide on the causes, symptoms, and treatment for constipation in babies 0-6 months old.
What is Constipation in Babies?
Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. For babies 0-6 months old, less than one bowel movement per day is considered constipation. Other signs include:
- Hard, dry stools
- Straining or pain when passing stools
- Crying during bowel movements
- Blood in the stool
- Distended belly
Constipation happens because the colon absorbs too much water from the stool, resulting in hard bowel movements. The condition is very common in formula-fed babies compared to breastfed babies.
Causes of Constipation in Babies 0-6 Months
There are several possible causes of constipation in young infants:
1. Formula Feeding
Formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation than breastfed babies. Formula is harder for babies to digest compared to breastmilk. Some formulas can be constipating, especially cow’s milk-based ones. The iron in formula can also cause constipation.
2. Dehydration
Not getting enough fluids is a common cause of constipation in babies. Breastfed newborns should feed 8-12 times a day while formula-fed babies need about 30oz daily. Dehydration thickens the stool, resulting in constipation.
3. Introduction of Solid Foods
Introducing solids too early, like before 4-6 months, can lead to constipation in babies. Solid foods are harder to digest compared to breastmilk or formula. Rice cereal mixed into bottles is especially constipating.
4. Not Being Active
Lack of activity can contribute to constipation in infants. Movement helps stimulate the intestines and promote bowel movements. Babies who lie down most of the time may struggle with constipation.
5. Medical Conditions
Some underlying medical conditions can cause constipation in babies:
- Hypothyroidism
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hirschsprung’s disease
- Anal fissures
These are rare but should be evaluated if constipation is severe.
Symptoms of Constipation in Babies
Signs that a baby 0-6 months old may be constipated include:
- Passing hard, dry stools
- Straining, pain, or crying during bowel movements
- Drawing legs up to abdomene
- Arching back
- Distended or bloated belly
- Blood in stool
- Fewer than one bowel movement per day
- Fussiness and discomfort
- Decreased appetite
Infrequent stools alone don’t always mean constipation in breastfed babies. The stool consistency is more important – loose, unformed stools are not constipating.
How to Treat Constipation in Babies 0-6 Months
Constipation usually resolves on its own, but here are some remedies to help relieve discomfort:
- Increase fluids: Give more frequent breastfeeds or ounces of formula to ensure adequate hydration.
- Tummy massage: Gently rub baby’s abdomen clockwise to stimulate bowels.
- Bicycle legs: Move baby’s legs in a bicycling motion to relieve gas.
- Warm bath: A warm bath can help relax baby’s muscles and make bowel movements easier.
- Switch formulas: If formula-fed, try a different type of formula designed for constipation.
- Avoid early solids: Don’t introduce cereals until 4-6 months to prevent constipation.
- Probiotics: Drops with probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis can promote healthy gut bacteria.
- Glycerin suppositories: These can stimulate reflex for bowel movement but consult your pediatrician first.
See your pediatrician if the constipation lasts over 2 weeks or causes distress. Serious cases may require medication, but this is rare in young babies. Be patient and try home remedies first. Constipation usually resolves on its own as the baby’s digestive system matures.
When to See a Doctor About Constipation
See your pediatrician if your baby 0-6 months old has:
- No bowel movement for over 3-4 days
- Hard stools and straining for over 2 weeks
- Blood in the stool
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
Also consult a doctor if constipation seems to cause distress like crying for over 10 minutes with bowel movements. Severe cases may require medical intervention.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tips to Prevent and Relieve Constipation
Here are some useful tips to keep baby’s bowel movements regular and prevent constipation:
- Breastfeed exclusively for 6 months or use formula specific for constipation
- Avoid constipating foods like bananas, rice cereal, yogurt, cow’s milk
- Massage baby’s tummy gently in a clockwise motion
- Move baby’s legs in a bicycling motion
- Give warm baths and gentle tummy rubs
- Use rectal thermometers cautiously as they can cause micro tears
- Include tummy time to get babies moving
- Dress baby lightly, overheating can dehydrate them
- Ensure baby stays well-hydrated with breastmilk or formula
- Try probiotic drops with beneficial gut bacteria
- Consider switching formulas if formula-fed
- Avoid any medications unless prescribed by pediatrician
- Be patient, constipation usually resolves on its own
When to Start Solids for Babies Prone to Constipation
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids at 6 months for babies. Introducing solids earlier can cause constipation.
Signs of readiness for solids include:
- Good head and neck control
- Interest in food
- Ability to sit upright
- Loss of tongue thrust reflex
If your baby seems prone to constipation, delay introducing cereals until at least 6 months old. And start with rice cereal mixed with breastmilk or formula, not put directly into bottles. Go slow with solids and offer very liquidy purees at first. Increase solid foods gradually as the baby’s system gets used to them.
Foods to Avoid for a Constipated Baby
Certain foods can make constipation worse for babies. Foods to avoid or limit include:
- Bananas – Can be binding
- Yogurt – Can be hard to digest
- Rice cereal – Very constipating
- Cow’s milk – Hard to digest for babies
- Apple juice – Can cause stool to harden
- Sweet potatoes – Can be constipating when started too early
Focus on breastmilk or formula as main sources of nutrition. And stick to easily digestible pureed fruits and veggies like pears, prunes, and butternut squash when starting solids. Avoid foods that seem to make constipation worse.
Foods That Can Help Relieve Constipation
Some foods can help alleviate constipation in babies:
- Prunes – Contain natural laxatives like sorbitol
- Pears – High in fiber which benefits stool formation
- Plums – Have digestive benefits like prunes
- Peaches – The skins contain insoluble fiber
- Apricots – Rich in fiber to encourage bowel movements
- Butternut squash – Contains stool-softening beta-carotene
- Broccoli – Fibrous and may reduce constipation
- Sweet potatoes – Provide fiber when started after 6 months
Offer these fruits and veggies when starting solids for a constipation-prone baby. You can also try 100% prune juice diluted in water for babies over 6 months old. Always get pediatrician’s approval before using home remedies.
When to See a Doctor
See your pediatrician if:
- Your baby does not have a bowel movement for over 3 days
- There is blood in your baby’s stool
- Your baby shows signs of distress like crying when passing stool
- Your baby has a swollen abdomen
- Your baby is vomiting
- Your baby has weight loss
- Constipation lasts over 2 weeks
Severe or chronic constipation may require medical treatment. Call your pediatrician right away if your baby has no bowel movement for several days and appears in distress.
Seek immediate care at an emergency room if your baby has a high fever along with constipation or no bowel movements for over 3 days.
FAQs About Constipation in Babies 0-6 Months
How long can a newborn go without pooping?
Up to 5 days for exclusively breastfed babies is normal, but less time for formula-fed. Seek medical advice if no bowel movement for over 3 days.
Is it normal for babies to strain when pooping?
Some straining is common as babies learn to have bowel movements. But excessive crying, pain, or more than 10 minutes of straining is abnormal.
When do babies poop less frequently?
Breastfed babies often poop less after 6-8 weeks but stools stay loose. Formula-fed babies normally poop 1-2 times a day in early months.
Can switching formula help constipation?
Yes, changes like going from cow’s milk to soy-based formula can sometimes improve constipation in formula-fed babies.
Can I give my constipated newborn water?
Do not give water to babies under 6 months, only breastmilk or formula. Instead, increase feeds or ounces consumed to ensure proper hydration.
What formula is easiest to digest and prevent constipation?
Partial whey protein hydrolysate formulas are easiest to digest. Also look for formulas labeled as gentle, sensitivity, comfort, or constipation-relief.
When should I call doctor if baby hasn’t pooped?
Call your pediatrician if no bowel movement for over 2 days in newborns under 1 month old or over 3 days in babies 1-6 months old.
Are probiotic drops helpful for baby constipation?
Probiotic drops with Bifidobacterium lactis are safe for babies and may promote healthy gut flora. Always consult pediatrician before use.
Can gripe water help a constipated 2 month old?
Gripe water contains probiotics and ginger, which may provide some relief from constipation symptoms in babies over 2 months old.
When should baby poop become regular?
By 4-8 weeks, breastfed babies poop 1-7 times per day. Formula-fed baby’s stools normalize by 6-8 weeks old, having 1-2 soft bowel movements per day.
Conclusion
Constipation commonly affects babies in the first 6 months of life, especially formula-fed infants. Try more fluids, tummy massage, warm baths, probiotics, and switching formulas. Increase fiber gradually when starting solids after 6 months old. Seek medical help if baby shows signs of distress or no stools for over 3 days. Be patient and understand constipation usually resolves on its own as the baby’s gut matures. Keep the pediatrician informed to monitor baby’s symptoms and treatment. With time and a few remedies, your baby’s constipation issues should pass.