Top tips for constipation in babies

If you’ve noticed your baby is constipated, you aren’t alone. It’s one of the most common reasons parents reach out to our midwives at dearbump. It can be uncomfortable for the baby and stressful for you, but there are several ways to help get things moving again depending on how you're feeding."

If you are formula feeding, constipation is quite common. This is often because the proteins in cows' milk can be more difficult for a baby’s immature digestive system to break down. This can lead to both constipation and colic-type symptoms. If your baby is struggling, the first thing we look at are physical techniques to stimulate the system."

During every nappy change, try 'bicycle legs.' Lay baby on their back and move their legs in a circular motion. This mimics the movement of walking and helps encourage bowel movement. You can also try a gentle abdominal massage. Use a very light oil on your fingertips and make light, clockwise strokes over the lower abdomen. Always go clockwise, as that follows the natural path of the digestive tract."

Don't overlook winding. Try winding your baby more frequently during and after feeds. A great position is placing the baby tummy-down over your knees and massaging their lower back to help wind more effectively. As a last resort, if they are still struggling, you can offer a small amount of cooled, boiled water between milk feeds. Keep this to around 30ml so it doesn't interfere with their appetite for milk.

In breastfed babies, constipation is less common, but it can still happen. In these cases, it helps to review your own diet. Sometimes spicy foods or high amounts of dairy can correlate with these episodes. You can still use the massage techniques and the 30ml of water, but ensure you continue to feed on demand so your baby stays hydrated."

We are dearbump, an app built by mums, for mums. If you need instant, expert clarity on your baby's health or your own recovery, you can chat 24/7 with our certified midwives. Download the app today for peace of mind.