Constipation in Babies When Starting Solids Explained

Constipation isn’t “normal” but it is a common occurrence when starting solids. It can also be really distressing for parents to see their little one in discomfort.

Should you cut out dairy?
Do they need probiotics?
Should you try a laxative?
Where do you even start?

Well, it is a good thing you are here and not going down a google rabbit hole, because constipation management isn’t straight forward, nor is it made easier by googling!

So Firstly, what causes of constipation?
There are many causes of constipation in babies and children:

• It can be too little fluid
• Starting solids too early
• Too much or too little fibre
• Some children naturally have slower bowels
• Allergy or intolerance (may not be dairy though, it can be many foods and hard to identify)
• Underlying medical cause
• For older children drinking milk (over 12 months) this can be the culprit. Too much milk can get in the way of eating enough solids and therefore enough fibre
• In older children it can be behavioural. Some children have toileting anxiety and may hold their stool in. It becomes firmer as the bowel reabsorbs fluid.

So, what should you do?
The first thing to try is some foods that can help with constipation. Often these are pretty successful at getting things moving along.

Here are some simple food-based things to try:

• Hydration-top of the list is ensuring they are having regular wet nappies. Sometimes as solids really take off and milk feeds reduce, little ones can find themselves not drinking enough and this can cause dehydration and constipation.
• Prunes
• Pears
• Stone fruit like peaches, plums and apricots
• Avocado
• Kiwi
• Soaked chia seeds
• Fibre rich foods like veggies and wholegrains
• Flax seed
• Sweet potato and pumpkin

Hmmm…these aren’t doing the trick…what now?
Getting 1:1 support is the next step. A paediatric dietitian is well placed to assess your little one’s diet and identify any food causes (including allergy) but also if there is need for further medical investigation for a paediatrician.

It is never advisable to cut whole food groups out without seeking support first. Excluding foods, for example dairy, can actually increase the risk of an allergy developing. It also means there are nutrients that are much harder for your little one to get, like calcium. A plan for exclusion, reintroduction and meeting nutrition needs is so important for you and bub.

So, if you are struggling with constipation, don’t sit on it, reach out for support to get on top
of it quickly.

Poopy Porridge- A super simple breakfast options to help get that poo moving!

What you will need:

• 4 Prunes
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• Boiling water
• 1 pear (peeled for younger than 12 months)
• ¼ cup of oats
  
  What to do:
  
• Dice your prunes and add in your chia seeds
• Cover in boiling water and leave for 15 minutes (can even leave overnight if
• preparing ahead!)
• Make your porridge as usual (1/4 cup of oats with 1.5 cups of water in the
• microwave)
• Stir through your prunes and chia
• Mash your pear and stir it through too

Written by Kat O’Brien Paediatric Dietitian
You can find her on Instagram @Nourishtonurturenutrition