- Home
- Advice Hub
- Newborn
- Essential Newborn Care
- Constipation In Babies
Constipation in Babies: What’s Normal and When to Worry
Discover safe, natural ways to recognise and relieve constipation in babies. Learn expert tips, when to seek help.
7 min
27/10/2025
As a health visitor, I know how worrying it can feel when your baby hasn’t had a poo for a few days, or seems to be straining and uncomfortable. It’s one of the most common questions parents ask me “Is my baby constipated?”
The good news is that occasional constipation is very common, especially during certain stages such as switching formula, introducing solids, or after an illness. In most cases, it’s nothing to panic about and can be eased gently at home. Let’s look at what’s normal, what might be causing it, and how you can help your baby feel more comfortable.
What is constipation in babies?
Constipation isn’t just about how often your baby poos, but also about how it looks and how easy it is for them to pass. A constipated baby may pass small, hard, dry stools (often compared to rabbit droppings) or seem to strain and cry before producing a stool. Their tummy might feel firm, and they may seem unsettled or feed less enthusiastically.
It’s also important to know that not every bit of straining means constipation. Many young babies grunt, go red in the face, or wriggle when passing a stool. This is often due to “infant dyschezia”, a completely normal phase where babies are still learning to coordinate their abdominal and pelvic muscles. As long as the stool is soft and they’re otherwise well, this isn’t true constipation.
What’s normal for baby poo frequency?
Every baby is different, and what’s normal can vary widely:
- Breastfed babies often poo several times a day in the early weeks, but after the first month, some may go several days or even a week without a bowel movement. As long as the poo is soft when it comes, that’s perfectly normal.
- Formula-fed babies tend to have slightly firmer stools and may poo once or twice a day, though some go every other day.
- During weaning, you might notice changes in frequency, colour, and consistency as your baby’s digestive system adjusts to new foods.
What matters most is comfort and consistency, not the exact number of dirty nappies.
Signs your baby might be constipated
Constipation in babies can show up in a few different ways. Look for:
- Fewer bowel movements than usual
- Hard, dry stools that look like small pellets
- Crying or discomfort when passing stool
- A firm or bloated tummy
- Straining for a long time with little result
- Loss of appetite or refusing feeds
- A tiny spot of blood on the stool or around the bottom (from a small tear)
If your baby is generally happy, feeding well, and passing soft stools even if infrequently, they’re unlikely to be constipated.
Common causes of constipation in babies
Feeding and hydration
The most common cause is a lack of fluids. If your baby isn’t taking enough milk.. due to illness, hot weather, or feeding difficulties, their stools can become harder. For formula-fed babies, always check you’re using the correct water-to-powder ratio, as too much powder can make the milk more concentrated and contribute to constipation.
Dietary changes
Introducing new foods during weaning often changes stool patterns. Some foods (like bananas, white rice, or too much baby cereal) can slow things down, while others (like pears, prunes, and peas) can help get things moving.
Low movement
Young babies who spend long periods lying down may be more prone to constipation simply because they’re less active. As they grow and begin rolling, crawling, and exploring, their digestive system naturally becomes more efficient.
Medical or structural causes (rare)
Occasionally, constipation can be linked to underlying medical issues such as an allergy, hypothyroidism, or structural bowel conditions, but these are rare. Persistent or severe constipation should always be discussed with a GP or paediatrician.
Gentle ways to help your constipated baby
Check feeds and fluids
For formula-fed babies, make sure the feed is mixed exactly as directed. For breastfed babies, offer feeds more often, breast milk is perfectly balanced and helps keep stools soft. If your baby is older than six months and has started solids, offer small sips of water with meals.
Encourage movement
A little gentle movement can go a long way. Try:
- Bicycle legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion.
- Tummy time: Encourages natural movement and helps strengthen core muscles.
- Warm bath: A warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles and make it easier for your baby to poo.
Massage
A gentle tummy massage can stimulate the bowel. Using circular motions with your fingertips, move around your baby’s tummy clockwise (following the direction of the bowel). Stop if they become unsettled.
Dietary adjustments during weaning
If your baby has started solids, think about the balance of foods. Offer fruit and vegetables that naturally support digestion, such as pears, plums, prunes, apricots, peas, or sweet potato. Avoid too many binding foods like bananas, rice, or plain baby cereals. A little porridge oats, wholegrain toast fingers, or diluted prune purée can help.
Give it time
If your baby has recently started new foods or changed formula, their digestive system might just need a few days to adjust. Keep an eye on how they’re doing, and try not to make too many changes at once.
When to see your GP or Health Visitor
Most cases of baby constipation improve with gentle measures, but there are times when you should seek professional advice. Contact your GP, health visitor, or pharmacist if:
- Your baby hasn’t had a poo for more than 5-7 days (and it’s not their usual pattern)
- They seem in pain or distress when trying to poo
- Their stools are consistently hard or dry
- You notice persistent vomiting, a swollen tummy, or poor feeding
- There’s blood in their stool that isn’t from a small surface crack
- Your baby is under 12 weeks old and hasn’t had a bowel movement for several days
- They show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, drowsiness, or sunken fontanelle)
Your GP can check for any underlying causes and may recommend a safe, short-term treatment such as a gentle stool softener if needed.
Constipation can be uncomfortable for babies and stressful for parents, but try not to worry. With time, fluids, and gentle adjustments, most babies’ digestive systems find their rhythm again. You’re not doing anything wrong, this is one of those common hiccups that most families experience at some stage.
Remember that bowel habits can fluctuate naturally with growth, diet changes, and development. What’s important is that your baby is feeding well, producing soft stools, and seems content in between.
Constipation in babies can be distressing, but it’s rarely serious and often responds well to simple measures. Trust your instincts, stay patient, and focus on gentle hydration, soothing comfort, and balanced nutrition. Your baby’s body is learning, adapting, and growing, and with your support, everything usually settles with time.
If you ever feel unsure, reach out for support. Health visitors, GPs, and pharmacists are there to help and can offer personalised advice for your baby’s situation.
If you’d like more time to talk things through or want tailored guidance for your baby, I also offer private health visiting support through Essential Parenting. Together, we can look at feeding, digestion, and your baby’s overall wellbeing to help you feel confident and reassured again.
Frequently Asked Questions about constipation in babies
There’s a wide range of normal. Some newborns poo several times a day, while others may go once every few days. What matters most is that stools are soft and easy to pass.
Not always. Many young babies grunt and strain when learning how to coordinate their muscles. If the poo is soft, this is completely normal.
Try bicycle legs, gentle tummy massage, offering extra feeds, or giving small amounts of water if they’re over six months. Some pureed fruits such as prunes or pears can also help once solids are introduced.
If your baby seems very uncomfortable, hasn’t had a poo for several days, has a swollen tummy, or there’s blood in the stool, it’s time to speak to a health professional.
Fewer wet nappies, dry mouth or lips, sleepiness, or a sunken soft spot on the head (fontanelle) can all be signs of dehydration and need medical attention.
