Why Is My Baby Constipated After Starting Solids?
Starting solids is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s first year.
But most parents quickly realise that it’s not all cute moments and looks of delight. There are also the unexpected challenges that come with introducing solids, like the constant food prep, the mess and….constipation!
If you’ve got a baby constipated after starting solids, or you’re wondering what’s actually normal in this new phase, here’s what you need to know.
Signs of constipation in babies
When babies start solids, their stools become more solid and darker in colour. They generally become less frequent too, which is a normal reaction to the change in diet.
So firstly, you need to figure out whether your baby is actually constipated or if this is just a normal change in digestion after starting solids.
Here are some of the signs of constipation in babies:
Infrequent bowel movements (less than three times a week)
Hard, dry, pellet-like stools
Straining or discomfort/crying during bowel movements
A swollen or firm belly
Irritability or fussiness
Decreased appetite
What causes constipation after starting solids?
I still remember the excitement of introducing solids to my first baby, the anticipation of introducing a new food, the opening of a new world of cooking for my baby and eating with him.
But I also remember the shock of the sudden constipation!
For my son, banana seemed to be a big trigger. We quickly learned to limit the amount he ate and balance it out with foods that got his digestion back on track.
But every baby is different, and there can be multiple reasons that babies become constipated after starting solids - after all, it’s a big change for their body to adapt to!
Here are some of the reasons starting solids can lead to constipation in babies:
Slower digestion
Transitioning from a liquid-only diet of breastmilk or formula to solid foods is a bit of a shock to your baby’s digestive system. Solids are more difficult to digest than liquids and this can slow down bowel movements.
Low fibre intake
Some foods commonly given as first foods, such as rice cereal, are low in fibre. Fibre is needed to move digested food through the large intestine and keep stools soft and regular.
Certain foods
Some foods, such as under-ripe bananas and applesauce can slow down transit time and therefore be more constipating than others (more on this later!).
Dehydration
When babies start solids, they may reduce their intake of breastmilk or formula (although ideally, this will stay the same).
This can result in dehydration which then leads to constipation as there is less fluid available to push the stool through the digestive system.
Cow’s milk protein allergy
In some cases, constipation can be a symptom of a food allergy or intolerance. For example, constipation can be a symptom of a cow’s milk protein allergy, but this is only the case for a small percentage of infants.
Speak to your baby’s doctor if you’re concerned an allergy or intolerance may be causing or contributing to your baby’s constipation.
How to prevent and relieve constipation in babies
Plenty of fluids
Make sure your baby is getting plenty of fluids. Continue to offer breastmilk or formula before solids for the first few months - and remember breastmilk or formula should be your baby’s primary source of nutrition until 12 months.
Small amounts of cooled, boiled water can also be offered with meals once your baby starts solids.
Offer a variety of foods
Some foods can be more constipating than others, while some foods will also help to keep bowel movements regular. By including a variety of different foods in your baby’s diet, rather than sticking to a few of the same ones, you’ll have a better chance of striking a balance of these foods.
Monitor your baby’s reaction to different foods
Some foods such as rice cereal, banana and pureed apple/applesauce can cause or contribute to constipation, although this isn’t always the case.
If you suspect particular foods are contributing to your baby’s constipation, in most cases you don’t need to cut them out entirely, just reduce the amount your baby is having and replace them with other suitable foods.
You can also serve these foods with a high-fibre food to help counteract the effects.
The exception to this constipation caused by a cow’s milk protein allergy, in which case dairy foods and any foods containing cow’s milk protein need to be completely avoided.
Bump up the fibre
Fibre draws water into the bowel and also adds bulk to the stool, helping it to move along the digestive tract.
Foods such as fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are good sources of fibre.
But, bear in mind that too much fibre in your baby’s diet can fill up their little tummy quickly, preventing them from getting the nutrients they need from other foods. It can also inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly iron.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to include a mix of wholegrain and white grains and cereals such as bread, pasta and rice.
And remember, fibre doesn’t work without fluid (and too much fibre without enough fluid can have the opposite effect), so if you’re increasing fibre, make sure your baby is getting adequate fluids as well.
Include the ‘p foods’
Certain fruits beginning with ‘p’ such as plums, prunes and peaches (or any stone fruit) and pears contain a carbohydrate called sorbitol, which draws water into the bowel acting as a natural laxative.
If your baby is struggling with constipation, including some pureed pear or plum in their diet or offering a small amount of prune juice can help.
Gentle movement
Moving around can help with constipation, so make sure your baby is getting plenty of tummy time and you can even try some gentle leg exercises like bicycling your baby’s legs to stimulate their digestive system.
Massage
Gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction can help to relax their muscles and relieve constipation.
Are there specific foods that cause constipation in babies?
All babies are different, and so are their digestive systems. So one baby may tolerate a food perfectly well while another may become constipated if they eat too much of that food.
Having said that, there are some common foods that appear to be more likely to cause constipation when your baby starts solids.
The ‘ABCs’ - applesauce, banana and cereal - are notorious for causing constipation in babies. Bananas were the biggest culprit for my kids!
Applesauce
Apples are high in pectin, a type of fibre that binds stools, slowing down their transit.
Because applesauce is a popular first food for babies and is commonly added to commercial baby food, it’s often the culprit when it comes to constipation after starting solids.
Bananas
Under-ripe bananas are high in resistant starch, which can be binding in the digestive system, causing constipation.
As bananas ripen, the resistant starch content decreases and the soluble fibre increases. As soluble fibre draws water into the bowel, ripe bananas can actually help to relieve constipation.
Choosing really ripe bananas (the ones with brown spots on the skin) can be a better option for babies.
Cereal
Rice cereal is often given as a first food but as it contains very little fibre, it can cause constipation in babies.
If you want to give your baby rice cereal, offer it along with high-fibre foods such as fruit and vegetable purees.
My son at 6 months. Unfortunately bananas didn't love him as much as he loved them!
Are there specific foods that help to relieve constipation?
Foods with a higher fibre content are your best bet for relieving constipation - so fruits, vegetables, legumes, ground nuts and seeds and whole grains.
Plenty of fluids in the form of breastmilk or formula are also equally important in allowing food to move through the digestive tract.
The ‘p’ fruits - pears, plums, peaches, prunes - are particularly helpful when it comes to relieving constipation. This is because they contain a type of carbohydrate called sorbitol which draws water into the bowel, acting as a natural laxative. They’re also high in fibre which helps too.
Here are some recipes which include the ‘p foods’:
Do dairy foods cause constipation in babies?
Dairy foods such as cow’s milk, yoghurt and cheese often get blamed for causing constipation in babies. However, unless these foods are replacing high-fibre foods in your baby’s diet, or your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, dairy foods in moderation shouldn’t cause constipation.
Make sure you offer your baby a variety of different foods, including some high-fibre foods such as fruit and vegetables and wholegrains.
Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) can cause constipation in babies, however, only a small number of babies suffer from CMPA, so it’s more likely to be something else causing your baby’s constipation. If you’re concerned that your baby may have CMPA or another food allergy or intolerance, see their doctor.
When to get help
Some constipation is normal when your baby first starts solids, and usually resolves itself after a few weeks or months.
But, if your baby's constipation persists or if you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice:
Severe discomfort or pain
Blood in the stool
Vomiting
Fever
Refusal to eat
Hopefully now that you’re armed with some new-found knowledge about babies and constipation, you and your baby can sail through the starting solids phase with ease. But, if you’re looking for more guidance on starting solids, grab a copy of my ‘Step by Step Starting Solids Guide’ and I’ll walk you through it!
