Natural ways to ease constipation in babies

Constipation means more than a baby going a few days without a bowel movement , it refers to hard, dry poo that is difficult or painful for your little one to pass. Newborns and young infants have a wide range of poo patterns (some breast‑fed babies may poo after every feed while others might go only once a week), so the firmness of the stool is often a better indicator of a problem than the frequency. If your baby’s stools look like dry pellets or your baby strains and cries while trying to pass poo, they might be constipated. Always speak with your GP or child health nurse if your baby is under twelve months and you suspect constipation.

Get medical advice when needed

Most episodes of constipation resolve on their own, but there are times when professional help is essential. Call your GP if your baby:

  • is younger than 12 months and has hard or painful poos;

  • hasn’t passed meconium within 48 hours of birth or has been constipated since the first weeks of life

  • has blood in their stools, a fever, vomiting or seems generally unwell

  • has ribbon‑like or pencil‑thin stools.

Seek urgent care if your baby is less than three months old and has a fever above 38 °C. Your doctor may also review formula preparation, offer medications or investigate underlying conditions if simple remedies don’t help.

Tips for easing constipation the gentle way

Below are evidence‑based strategies drawn from Australian health agencies such as the Raising Children Network and the Royal Children’s Hospital. Always discuss these ideas with your health professional before trying them, and stop if your baby experiences discomfort.

1. Check formula preparation and offer extra fluids when appropriate

  • Measure water first before adding formula powder. Ensuring the correct water‑to‑powder ratio can prevent constipation in formula‑fed babies. Incorrectly made formula (too concentrated) can make stools hard and dry.

  • Offer extra drinks to older babies. Once your baby is old enough to drink water (usually around six months), offer small sips of cooled boiled water between feeds. Adequate fluid intake helps soften bowel motions, but there’s no need to exceed your child’s daily fluid requirements; exclusively breast‑fed babies under six months don’t need extra water.

2. Add fibre‑rich foods after starting solids

  • After six months, gradually increase fibre by including vegetables, fruit and whole grains with their usual meals. High‑fibre cereals and wholemeal bread help keep stools soft. Fruits with the peel left on (plums, prunes, raisins, apricots and peaches) provide plenty of fibre.

  • For babies on solids, add extra fruit and vegetables to boost fibre intake. Pureed pear, peach, apricot, plum or pumpkin can be mixed into cereals or yoghurt. Don’t introduce too many new foods at once; allow 3–5 days between new items to observe for allergies.

3. Prunes, apricots and natural fruit laxatives

  • Stewed prunes or apricots are gentle, natural laxatives. Australian paediatric guidelines suggest giving babies older than nine months up to three tablespoons of strained, stewed prunes or apricots, up to three times per week. These fruits contain sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol that draws water into the bowel.

  • Prune juice diluted with water can also help older babies. Mix prune juice and water 50:50 (for example, 10 mL of prune juice with 10 mL of water) and start by giving a small amount (around 10 mL). Increase slowly until your baby is able to pass a soft stool. For younger children, prune juice may taste better mixed with other juices like apple or apricot, and you can even freeze it to make icy poles.

  • Limit fruit juice. While prune juice can be effective, fruit juice is not recommended as a regular drink for infants. Keep total juice intake low and offer it only when necessary as a remedy, not a daily beverage.

4. Gentle tummy massage and warm baths

  • Gently rub your baby’s stomach in a clockwise direction to stimulate the bowel and help move gas and stool along. This may also relieve discomfort.

  • A warm bath can calm and settle your baby. The warmth relaxes tummy muscles and may help ease the passage of stools. Make sure the water isn’t too hot and always supervise your baby in the bath.

5. Encourage movement

Babies who can roll, sit and crawl benefit from gentle exercise. Bicycle‑leg movements and supervised tummy time can help move gas through the intestines and stimulate bowel activity. For older babies and toddlers, active play like crawling, cruising or floor time encourages normal bowel function.

6. Keep cow’s milk intake moderate in toddlers

For toddlers over 18 months, limit cow’s milk to around 500 mL per day. Excess milk can reduce appetite for fibre‑rich foods and may contribute to constipation. Offer water between meals and avoid sugary drinks.

What not to do

  • Don’t use laxatives without medical advice. Even products marketed for children should only be used under a doctor’s guidance.

  • Don’t give fruit juice or prune juice to babies under six months unless recommended by a health professional. Young babies’ kidneys and digestive systems are immature, and excess juice can cause diarrhoea or electrolyte imbalance.

  • Don’t add sugar, honey or malt extract to bottles or solids. These sweeteners won’t cure constipation and can harm emerging teeth and disrupt healthy eating habits.

Preventing constipation in the long run

Establishing good habits early will reduce the risk of constipation as your child grows:

  • Offer a balanced diet with adequate fibre once your baby starts solids. Fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains should make up most of their diet.

  • Encourage regular bowel habits. Toddlers benefit from sitting on the potty or toilet for a few minutes after meals – the natural gastro‑colic reflex at this time encourages bowel movements. Ensure their feet are supported so they feel secure and can push effectively.

  • Provide plenty of fluid. Water is the best drink once solids are introduced. Cooled boiled water can be offered from around six months, while breastmilk or formula remains the main source of nutrition throughout the first year.

  • Keep your child active. Movement helps the bowels work normally; even young babies enjoy floor play and tummy time.

Take‑home message

Constipation in babies is usually short‑lived, but hard, painful poos shouldn’t be ignored. A combination of correct formula preparation, gradual introduction of fibre‑rich foods, small amounts of prunes or diluted prune juice for older infants, gentle tummy massage and ample fluids can often ease the problem. Always consult your GP or child health nurse if your baby is under 12 months and you suspect constipation, if your little one seems unwell or in pain, or if natural remedies don’t help. With a bit of patience and the right strategies, most babies soon get back to comfortable, regular poos – and happier mealtimes for everyone.

 

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