HealthInfo Canterbury
Constipation in babies
Constipation in babies is when their poos are hard and dry. It tends to happen more often in formula-fed babies than breastfed babies, and when babies change to eating solids.
Babies can go for days without pooing – it doesn't always mean they're constipated. It's normal for breastfed babies to poo anywhere between after every feed to only once every seven to 10 days. Formula-fed babies usually poo between three times a day to once every two days.
Straining, including getting a red face and pushing hard, is also normal for babies. As long as their poos are soft, they aren't constipated.
Helping your baby with constipation
You can help your baby with constipation by:
- trying a warm bath or gentle tummy massage
- checking their formula is made correctly
- trying a different formula
- offering them extra water to drink
- if they're over six months old, giving them plenty of cooked or soft fruit and vegetables.
Getting help for your baby's constipation
See a doctor if:
- your baby seems to be in a lot of pain when passing a poo
- your baby has blood in their nappy
- the constipation continues for more than 24 hours after trying the treatments suggested on this page.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Plunket – Constipation
Information and advice about what to do if your baby is constipated.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2021.
See also:
Review key: HIUCB-33560
