Constipation in babies most commonly occurs when there is a transition in baby's diet, such as a change to solid foods or switch from breast milk to formula. If your baby has started to pass hardened, dry stools, this can indicate your baby is constipated. Your pediatrician may recommend some small dietary changes that can reduce baby's constipation.
Pureed Foods
Although you may be working toward transitioning your baby to solid foods, don't neglect softer, pureed foods to help ease the transition. This can include options like pureed pears, prunes, plums and peaches, which are all natural laxatives. Vegetables like peas also can help. These foods are high in fiber, and their soft consistency can help encourage healthy stool production. Another option is to make barley cereal instead of rice cereal, which is less likely to expand in the intestinal tract, causing gas and constipation.
Water/Juice
Taking in more water means your baby's stool will absorb more water and move better through his digestive tract. While this doesn't replace your baby's daily milk or formula intake, drinking an added 2 to 4 oz. of water may help to reduce constipation symptoms. If your baby's symptoms don't improve, consider increasing his intake slightly or use fruit juice instead, such as apple, pear or prune juice. Look for juices that are 100 percent juice -- otherwise the juice can have too much added sugar.
Fiber-Containing Foods
Just as fiber-containing foods help to reduce constipation in adults, they also can help babies. If your baby is old enough to introduce some solid foods, try small amounts of graham crackers, whole-grain breads or crackers. Vegetables like broccoli or beans also are high in fiber. Adding these foods to your baby's diet increases the amount of bulk present, making the stool softer and less difficult for your baby to pass. Flaxseed meal also is high in fiber and can be finely ground and added to your baby's cereal or a fruit smoothie.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor before making dietary changes for your baby to ensure you can safely give certain foods or drinks. If your baby does not seem to respond to these dietary changes to reduce constipation, your doctor may recommend medications or other techniques to lessen your baby's symptoms. You also may need to delay the introduction of solid foods if your baby continues to be constipated.
