Baby Constipation: Signs, Causes & Treatment | Parenting Hub
True constipation in babies means hard, pellet-like poos and pain — not just infrequent ones. What works, what doesn't, and when to see your GP.
Going days without a poo isn't always constipation — it's the texture and effort that matter. Here's what's normal and what helps when poos really are stuck.
What counts as constipation
Constipation isn't about frequency — it's about consistency. Healthy breastfed babies can go 5–7 days between poos and still pass soft ones. True constipation means hard, dry, pellet-like poos that are painful or hard to pass.
Straining, going red, pulling up legs — that's normal newborn pushing. It's the texture coming out that tells you whether there's a problem.
Common causes
Causes change with age and feeding.
- Formula feeding — formula is harder to digest than breastmilk
- Switching from breast to formula or changing formula brand
- Starting solids — the first introduction of food
- Not enough fluid once solids start
- Cow's milk protein allergy or intolerance in some babies
What helps
Try simple changes for a few days before reaching for medication.
- Bicycle leg movements and a warm bath to relax muscles
- Gentle clockwise tummy massage between feeds
- If formula-fed, check scoops and water ratio carefully — never dilute or over-concentrate
- Once on solids: offer cooled boiled water with meals and include pear, prune or kiwi purée
- Avoid suppositories or laxatives unless your GP recommends them
When to see a doctor
See your GP if constipation lasts more than a week, your baby is in pain, there's blood streaking the poo, or your baby is under 6 weeks old and hasn't pooed in several days (especially if breastfed).
When to seek urgent care
Constipation rarely needs emergency care — but combined with vomiting and a swollen tummy it can signal a blockage.
When to seek help
- A newborn under 6 weeks who hasn't pooed in 3–5 days and seems unwell
- Swollen, hard tummy with vomiting
- Blood in the nappy (more than a small streak)
- Weight loss or refusing feeds
- First poo after birth not passed within 48 hours
Common questions
Is it normal for a breastfed baby to skip days?
Yes, completely. After about 6 weeks, breastfed babies can go up to a week between poos, as long as the poo is soft when it comes and baby is content and gaining weight.
Can I give my baby prune juice?
Under 6 months, no — stick with breast or formula. From around 6 months, a teaspoon of cooled prune purée mixed into food can help.