11 Best Foods To Relieve Baby Constipation And Recipes To Try

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Constipation in babies is a common occurrence and can cause pain and discomfort to your little one. One quick remedy for constipation is the modification of the baby’s diet. You may include certain foods to help with constipation in babies. This post explains the foods that may lead to constipation and foods that help with reducing constipation in babies.

How To Tell If Your Baby Is Constipated?

A baby who is constipated could display the following signs and symptoms (1) (2).

• No stool for three days if the baby is formula-fed or on solids
• No stool for more than a week in case of exclusively breastfed babies
• Baby painfully strains to pass hard and lumpy stool
• Baby has to painfully strain for several minutes to pass some stool
• Stool appears like dry pellets or a cluster of pellets
• Baby cries each time they pass stool
• Severe constipation may lead to a bloated abdomen

Solomon, a blogger and the father of a boy says, “Our son had infrequent bowel movements, which would last for up to eight days. We would notice a decrease in his mobility during his daily play; he looked cranky with a puffed tummy. His refusal to eat anything added to the issue (ⅰ).’’

Excess strain while pooping may lead to tiny streaks of blood appearing in the stool. Consult a doctor if the baby has pain while passing stool or if the stool has blood in it (3).

Did you know?

Increased fussiness, spitting, and bloating may be a sign of constipation in babies (22).

Foods That Cause Constipation In Infants

Parents need to be aware of which foods may contribute to constipation. Many everyday foods, though nutritious, can cause constipation if given in excess or without enough fiber. The following food items may cause constipation in babies and toddlers.

1. Milk and milk products: A baby’s diet rich in milk protein among toddlers older than one year may increase the risk of constipation. Milk protein could often lead to hard and pale stool. All milk products, including yogurt and cheese, could be a source of milk protein (1).

2. Processed foods: It includes solid foods made with refined wheat flour, such as hot dogs and white bread, and sugary foods, such as candies. These food items are starchy and have very little fiber, increasing the risk of constipation (4).

3. Meat and eggs: High-fat meats, such as red meat, and eggs may increase the risk of constipation in older babies and toddlers. These food items increase the risk of constipation due to their low fiber content (5).

4. Ripe bananas: Ripe bananas have very low fiber content (6). Excess consumption of bananas may lead to constipation in sensitive babies.

5. White rice: White rice lacks bran, which is the fiber-rich layer around the grain (7). Excess consumption of rice cereal may cause constipation in some babies (3).

6. Overcooked carrots: Carrots that are cooked to a soft texture could be devoid of fiber. Frequent consumption of overcooked carrots by babies may increase the risk of constipation (8).

7. Formula: Some babies may develop constipation due to formula (9). This can usually be resolved by switching to a different type or brand of formula milk after doctor consultation.

Most of these food items including lentils usually cause constipation when consumed in excess. Also, some of the food items, such as meat and bananas, are a source of vital nutrients for baby’s nutrition. Therefore, you may focus on reducing their serving size or serve them a few times a week. A few food items, such as processed foods, could be eliminated from the baby’s diet.

Point to consider

Avoid giving babies heavily processed foods such as ice cream to prevent constipation (22).

Foods That Help With Constipation

The following food items may relieve constipation in babies and toddlers (10).

1. Oatmeal: Oats are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, which add bulk to the diet and improve gut health. Regular consumption of oatmeal by babies could relieve constipation (11).

2. Beans: Beans and other legumes are rich in fiber and could replace excess meat in your baby’s diet (12). Serve different types of fresh and dry beans as purees or as part of other dishes.

3. Pears: A medium-sized pear could contain up to six grams of fiber. The fruit also contains other compounds, such as fructoseⁱA natural sugar found in all fruits, sugarcane, and corn. and sorbitolⁱA water-soluble sugar alcohol found in many fruits, berries and vegetables. , which draw water into the intestines, making the stool softer (13).

4. Berries: Berries, such as blueberries, are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Feeding pureed berries regularly could keep the baby’s gut healthy and ensure the timely passage of stools.

5. Prunes: Prunes are dried plums, which are rich in fiber and sorbitol, which draws water into the intestines. To ensure hydration and promote bowel movements, increase water intake when eating high-fiber meals such as pears. Homemade prune juice and prune puree for babies are a popular remedy for constipation in babies.

6. Apricots: Apricots belong to the same family as plums. The fruit is rich in fiber, and research indicates that regular consumption could improve the contraction of the large intestine (14). You may feed ripe apricot puree to young babies or cut it into thin slices and serve it as finger food to older babies.

7. Green peas: Green peas, including split peas, are high in fiber (15). Purees and mashes made from green peas make for a healthy addition to a baby’s diet for constipation relief.

8. Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferousⁱA term for all the vegetables that come from the mustard family like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. vegetables, such as cauliflower, are rich in fiber. They also contain a compound called sulforaphane, which supports normal intestinal function, providing relief from constipation (16). Cooked broccoli can be served as a mash or as finger food to older babies.

9. Sweet potatoes: It is a high-fiber food and contains several compounds, which could relieve constipation, according to research (17). You may serve baked or boiled sweet potatoes with skin to babies regularly.

10. Whole grains: Whole grains contain the outer fiber-rich layer called the bran. Regular consumption of whole grains could relieve constipation. You may serve whole grains, such as whole wheat and brown rice, to the baby. Choose whole-grain products, such as whole-grain bread and crackers.

11. Baby cereal: Whole wheat, multigrain, and 100% bran cereals are high-fiber foods that can help relieve constipation in babies and toddlers. You can include these cereals in different forms in your baby’s well-balanced weaning diet (3) (10). Adding pureed veggies and fruits to baby cereal is another way to raise babies’ overall fiber intake. However, consult your pediatrician before adding high-fiber foods to your baby’s diet. Also, excess fiber intake without balancing the fluid/water intake can worsen constipation. Hence, it is essential to balance the intake of fiber foods for babies with fluid consumption to effectively treat or manage constipation.

In addition to the aforementioned food items, peaches, chia seeds, barley, and flaxseeds are also known for their ability to relieve constipation. It is good to consult a doctor to determine the possible underlying cause before trying these constipation-alleviating food items. Do not feed these items in excess, instead focus on making them a part of the baby’s well-balanced diet.

Quick fact

For babies over two months old, offering two to four ounces of grape, pear, cherry, or apple juice can help improve bowel function (22).

Food Purees To Relieve Baby’s Constipation

Here are a few recipes that you may try to alleviate baby’s bowel movement.

1. Blueberry, prune, and cloves puree (6 months+)

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 1 cup blueberries
• 4 dried prunes (pitted)
• 1 cup hot water
• A pinch of grounded cloves

How to prepare:

1. Wash the blueberries. Steam them until they are tender.
2. Take some water in a bowl. Add the prunes and soak them for ten minutes or until they become soft.
3. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor. Add the clove powder and serve immediately.

2. Apricot and pears with cinnamon (6 months+)

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 2 apricots (medium-sized )
• 2 pears (medium-sized)
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
• 2 cups water

How to prepare:

1. Wash the pears and apricots thoroughly. Cut them into small pieces.
2. Pour water in a pan over medium flame.
3. Add the cut fruits and cook them until they soften.
4. Blend the fruits after they have cooled down. Add a pinch of cinnamon powder and serve it to your baby.

3. Broccoli and peas puree (6 months+)

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cups water

How to prepare:

1. Heat water in a pan on medium flame. Steam the peas and broccoli until tender. Discard the water
2. Let the vegetables cool. Blend them in a food processor. Add water to adjust consistency and serve immediately.
3. You may add other vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, to make the puree tastier.

4. Oatmeal and apple porridge (6 months+)

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 1 cup sliced apples (without skin)
• 2 cups oatmeal
• 2-3 cups water

How to prepare:

1. Boil water in a deep pan. Add sliced apples to it and boil them until tender.
2. Add oatmeal and stir the mix. Cook on a medium flame for five to ten minutes while stirring.
3. Let it cool. You may top it with a pinch of cardamom powder before serving it to the baby.

5. Apple and spinach puree (8 months+)

Image: Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 2 apples (medium-sized)
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 cups water
• A pinch of ginger powder (optional)

How to prepare:

1. Wash, core, and cut the apples. You may leave the skin intact. Also, wash and chop the spinach into small pieces.
2. Add a cup of water to a pan and add spinach to it. Cook the spinach on a medium flame until tender. Transfer the cooked spinach to a bowl. Discard the water.
3. Add a cup of water to the pan and cook the apples until tender.
4. Transfer the cooked apples and spinach into a blender and blend until you get a puree of smooth consistency.
5. You may top it with a pinch of ginger powder before serving.

6. Pumpkin and prunes puree (8 months+)

Image: Shutterstock

You will need

• 2 cups of pumpkin pieces
• 1 cup prunes
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup hot water

How to prepare:

1. Soak the prunes in hot water for ten minutes.
2. Heat a pan on medium flame. Add three cups of water and cook the pumpkin pieces until tender.
3. Transfer the cooked pumpkin and soaked prunes into a food processor and blend into a puree. You may add more water to adjust the consistency.

7. Brown rice and sweet potato porridge (10 months+)

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups sweet potato with skin
• 4 cups water

How to prepare:

1. Soak the brown rice in water for 30 minutes.
2. Add four cups of water to a pressure cooker. Transfer the soaked brown rice and sweet potato pieces. Cook at peak pressure for 20 minutes.
3. Once the mix is cooled, transfer it into a blender to coarsely blend it. You may add more water to adjust the consistency.

Infographic: Yummy Foods For Constipation Relief In Babies

Constipation is a typical problem in infants, especially when they start eating solid foods. While you must take your baby to the doctor if the baby has not passed any stool or is in pain, some foods can also be helpful to provide relief from constipation, as presented in the infographic below.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Learn how to help your infant with constipation with six natural remedies at home. Discover the recommended foods that might bring relief.

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Dr. Sonal DhemlaPhD

Dr. Sonal Dhemla, a gold medalist with four years of experience, is working with a pediatric hospital as a consultant dietitian/clinical nutritionist. She founded ‘Dr. Sonal’s Nutrittude’, a diet clinic specializing in child nutrition, complementary feeding, juvenile diabetes, celiac disease, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, growth issues among children, different deficiencies, and much more.

Read full bio of Dr. Sonal Dhemla

Sindusha MSMSc (Food & Nutrition)

Sindusha is a clinical nutritionist with over two years of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She did her Masters in Food Science and Nutrition from Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women and has qualified UGC-NET.

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Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC

Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah

Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd

Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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