Baby constipation

Breastfed babies have several helpful types of bacteria in their large intestine that are capable of breaking down some of the otherwise indigestible proteins in milk. As a result, their stools are softer, making bowel movements easier.

Breastfed babies also have higher levels of a hormone called motiline that increases the movement of the bowels.

The composition of breast milk also changes as your baby grows older, so it will supply the needs of your baby at all times.

Other causes

Food is usually the cause of baby constipation.

But in some cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying disease.

If your baby isn't gaining weight or shows any other unusual symptoms, seek the advice of a doctor.

The bottlefed baby

Bottlefed babies frequently suffer from constipation because formula milk is harder for a baby to digest.

A baby who receives only formula milk will typically have fewer bowel movements than a breastfed child. Their stools will be thicker and have a different, more greenish colour.

Bowel movement in newborns (up to six months old)

It is equally normal for a young baby to have a bowel movement several times a day or as little as once a week. In rare cases, there can be up to three weeks between bowel movements.

A young baby should only be given a laxative if he or she is bothered by the long intervals between bowel movements.

Breastfed babies usually have frequent bowel movements until they are two to three months old. Their stools are typically yellow.

Bowel movement in older babies (from four months old)

Once a baby starts on transition foods or solids, the frequency of bowel movements and the consistency and appearance of their stools will depend on the food they eat. Your baby's stools will begin to look a bit more like ordinary stools in consistency and smell.

Once your baby starts eating solid food, the pattern in bowel movements will change. Your infant will have movements several times a day or as infrequently as once every two to three days.

At this point, some babies may get slightly constipated. This is because the intestines have to get used to the new composition of the nutrients.

Once a baby's food consists of more solid food, constipation may be caused by dehydration.

A vicious circle

When a baby first becomes constipated, it can be the start of a vicious circle.

This is because it will hurt your baby to pass the large hard stools that have gathered in the intestine. Cracks around the anus may appear; these may start to bleed and cause more pain.

To avoid the pain, your baby may subconsciously start holding back stools, which makes the food stay longer in the large intestine.

As a result, your baby's body will absorb more water from the stools and make the stools even harder. This can cause your baby to remain constipated.

A baby who is constipated often has colic pains, because the large amount of stool in the intestines makes the intestines dilate. In some cases, the child may not want to eat and may even retch a little.

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