Breastfed babies are rarely constipated, but formula fed babies will have firmer bowel movements than a breastfed baby. However, this may not be constipation, which is hard and pellet-like and is difficult or painful to pass. Infants may show signs of distress or pain before passing stool but this is normal and a response to new body sensations. Intervals of several days between passing stools are not uncommon in breastfed infants.

If your baby doesn't have a dirty diaper for a day or two and then has to strain really hard to get through a bowel movement, he is probably constipated. Speak to your healthcare professional if you are concerned that your baby is constipated.

Weaning And Constipation

Constipation may occasionally occur when infants are weaned from breast to bottle feeding and/or when beginning to introduce solids as the gut adjusts. To reduce the risk of constipation, new foods should be gradually introduced.

Formula Fed Babies

Mothers of formula fed infants show more concern about stool hardness and constipation and consult health professionals more often for advice than mothers of breastfed infants. Constipation is more likely to occur in a formula fed infant when the formula is not made up according to directions.

Check the following in constipated infants:

• Is the formula the correct one for the infant's age?
• Is the formula made up correctly - the right number of scoops to the correct volume of water and the scoop is not too packed?
• Is your baby on solids before the recommended age?
• Is your baby active - active infants tend to be less constipated?

Relieving Constipation

• Recommendations for relieving constipation in infants vary. Ensure formula is made correctly.
• Introducing solids will not alleviate constipation. As the condition is usually caused by mild dehydration, a drink of cooled, boiled water from a sterilized bottle between feedings should help.
• For infants on solids, check that the intake of fruit, vegetables, breads, cereals and fluids are proportionally adequate. Extra fruit or diluted fruit juice usually resolves the problem.
• Although high in fibre, bran should never be given to a baby under 12 months. Too much fibre can aggravate constipation and interfere with protein digestibility as well as absorption of iron, calcium and other essential nutrients.

If symptoms persist, or if you are concerned about your baby, talk to your healthcare professional for advice.