Best Constipation Diet Plan To Soothe Your Baby’s Tummy Fast

Constipation is a common concern for many parents, especially when it comes to babies. It can cause discomfort, irritability, and difficulty in your baby’s digestion. Fortunately, a constipation diet plan can help soothe your baby’s tummy and relieve the discomfort caused by constipation. A well-balanced diet rich in fiber, fluids, and certain foods can play a key role in easing constipation in babies and helping to regulate their bowel movements.

In this article, we will explore how to identify constipation in babies, what foods are safe, and offer a month-by-month constipation diet plan for babies along with healthy recipes aged 5 to 12 months.

How To Identify Constipation In Babies?

Constipation in babies can be tough for parents to identify because the signs might not always be clear. But, one common sign of constipation is increased fussiness of your baby.

Yes, constipation can certainly cause babies to become fussy and irritable. The discomfort of hard, dry stools or difficulty in passing stools often leads to distress.

In severe cases, constipation may even cause small tears in the anus (anal fissures), resulting in pain and sometimes minor bleeding, which can further upset your baby.

Other signs of constipation to watch for include:

• Infrequent bowel movements: If your baby is going for more than 3-4 days without a bowel movement, this might be a sign of constipation.
• Hard, dry stools: When your baby finally passes stool, it may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
• Straining and discomfort: Your baby might appear to be in pain, straining or pushing more than usual when attempting to pass stool.
• Loss of appetite: Constipation can cause bloating and discomfort in the stomach, leading to a loss of appetite or refusal to feed.
• Tummy pain or cramps: The buildup of stool in the intestines can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort, making your baby cry more often.
• Gas and bloating: Gas buildup due to constipation can make your baby’s stomach feel tight and uncomfortable.
• Restlessness or trouble sleeping: Babies experiencing discomfort from constipation may have difficulty settling down or sleeping, leading to crankiness.
• Straining or reddening face while trying to poop: The effort to pass hard stools can cause strain, making your baby frustrated or even cry.

If your baby is unusually fussy and showing signs of constipation, these symptoms might be contributing to their distress. And as soon as you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consider changing your baby’s constipation diet plan as part of the solution.

Which Type Of Foods Are Safe For Babies’ Constipation Relief?

The right foods can make a significant difference in relieving constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. The key is to focus on fiber-rich foods, fluids, and easy-to-digest options for babies. Some safe and effective foods to include in constipation diet plan for babies are:

• Pureed fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, and prunes are high in fiber and can help to relieve constipation in babies.
• Vegetables: Pureed vegetables like peas, carrots, and spinach are rich in fiber and nutrients that aid digestion.
• Oatmeal: Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which helps to soften stool and prevent constipation.
• Whole grain cereal: Whole grains are packed with fiber and can be an excellent addition to your baby’s diet.
• Water and hydration: Ensuring your baby is well-hydrated helps soften stool, making it easier to pass.

Incorporating these foods into your constipation diet plan for babies can help regulate their digestion and ease constipation.

Best Constipation Diet Charts For Your Baby’s Tummy Troubles

We have tailored a constipation diet plan to your baby’s age, nutritional needs, and stage of development. 

5 Months Constipation Diet Plan

At 5 months, babies are typically still breastfed or formula-fed, with the introduction of solids just beginning. When it comes to constipation relief, offer the following:

Recipes

1. Pureed Pears or Apples

• Peel and core the pears or apples.
• Steam or boil them until soft.
• Puree with a little water to make a smooth consistency.

2. Pureed Carrots

• Peel and chop carrots into small pieces.
• Steam or boil until tender.
• Puree with water or breast milk.

6 Months Constipation Diet Chart

At six months, most babies start eating solid foods. Here’s how to adjust the constipation diet plan:

Recipes

1. Pureed Prunes

• Soak prunes in warm water for about 10 minutes.
• Blend them to a smooth puree.
• Serve fresh.

2. Pureed Peas and Carrots

• Steam peas and carrots until soft.
• Puree them together to create a smooth texture.

7 Months Constipation Diet Chart

By 7 months, babies are becoming more accustomed to solid foods. Continue the following diet plan for constipation relief:

Recipes

1. Mashed Bananas

• Mash a ripe banana using a fork.
• If too thick, add a small amount of water or breast milk.

2. Oatmeal with Pears or Apples

• Cook oatmeal according to package instructions.
• Add pureed pears or apples to the cooked oatmeal for added flavor and fiber.

8 Months Constipation Diet Plan

At 8 months, your baby may be ready for more textured foods. Here’s what to add in your baby’s meal plan:

Recipes

1. Chopped Apples or Pears:

• Chop apples or pears into small pieces.
• Steam or boil them if necessary to soften.

2. Sweet Potato and Lentils:

• Boil lentils and sweet potato together.
• Mash and serve.

9 Months Constipation Diet Plan

At 9 months, babies are more advanced with solid food. Here’s what to include in the constipation diet plan for babies:

Recipes

1. Avocado and Banana Mash

• Mash ripe avocado and banana together.
• If too thick, add a little water.

2. Rice with Spinach and Carrots

• Cook rice and blend with steamed spinach and carrots for fiber.

10 Months Constipation Diet Chart

At 10 months, babies can tolerate a wider variety of foods. Include the following in constipation diet plan for babies:

Recipes

1. Mashed Peas with Carrots

• Steam peas and carrots, then mash them together.

2. Oats with Chopped Fruits

• Cook oats and mix with finely chopped fruits like pears, apples, or bananas.

11 Months Constipation Diet Chart

For 11-month-olds, the constipation diet plan can include:

Recipes

1. Chopped Fruits with Cottage Cheese

• Chop fruits like mango, apples, or pears and serve with cottage cheese.

2. Vegetable Soup with Whole Grain Bread

• Prepare a simple vegetable soup (carrots, peas, spinach) and serve with pieces of whole grain bread.

12 Months Constipation Diet Chart

At 12 months, your baby can eat almost all solid foods. Here’s the constipation diet plan:

Recipes

1. Fruit Salad with Yogurt

• Mix chopped fruits (berries, bananas, apple slices) with plain yogurt.

2. Vegetable Stir Fry with Brown Rice

• Stir-fry vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and peas with brown rice.

3. Fresh Fruit Juice

• Wash and peel the fruit.
• Blend the fruit with a little water.
• Strain if necessary, and serve fresh.

4. Vegetable Khichdi with Ghee

• Wash rice and lentils thoroughly.
• Chop vegetables finely.
• Cook rice, lentils, and vegetables together in a pressure cooker with water until soft.
• Add a small spoon of ghee before serving.

5. Vegetable Dalia (Broken Wheat)

• Dry roast dalia in a pan.
• In a separate pan, sauté vegetables with a pinch of cumin.
• Add dalia and water to the vegetables and cook until soft.
• Add a pinch of turmeric for color.

Other Foods For Constipation Relief (5 months and above)

Here is a list of other foods that can help relieve constipation in babies, starting from 5 months, which weren’t already covered in the previous charts. 

1. Plum Puree

Plums are rich in fiber and sorbitol, which helps to stimulate bowel movement. They can be pureed and given to babies starting at 5 months.

2. Papaya

Papaya contains enzymes like papain, which aid digestion and promote smooth bowel movements. You can offer mashed or pureed papaya to babies 6 months and older.

3. Cucumber

Cucumber is a hydrating vegetable that can help soften stools. You can give finely mashed or pureed cucumber to babies 7 months and above.

4. Sweet Corn Puree

Sweet corn is rich in fiber and can help promote bowel regularity. Pureed sweet corn in a constipation diet chart can be included from babies aged 6 months onwards.

5. Barley

It is a good source of soluble fiber, which can help with digestion and bowel movement regularity. Barley porridge can be introduced to babies 7 months and older.

6. Chia Seeds (Ground)

Chia seeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which aid digestion. Ground chia seeds can be sprinkled in food or mixed in with baby’s porridge once they are 8 months old.

7. Coconut Water

Coconut water is not only hydrating but also contains electrolytes that aid in digestion. It can be offered to babies 6 months and above in small sips.

8. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is high in water content and helps with hydration, which is essential for preventing and relieving constipation. Pureed cantaloupe is a great option for babies 6 months and older.

9. Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. It can be served as mashed or pureed pineapple, starting at 7 months.

10. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a fiber-rich food that is gentle on the tummy and helps with digestion. You can puree it and offer it to babies 6 months and older.

11. Green Beans

Green beans are rich in fiber and gentle on the digestive system. Pureed green beans can be introduced at 6 months.

12. Figs (Pureed or in Small Pieces)

Figs are naturally high in fiber and sorbitol, making them great for constipation relief. They can be pureed and served to babies 6 months and older.

These foods are all easy to digest and can be introduced based on your baby’s readiness for solid foods. They contain fiber, hydration, and essential nutrients to help keep your baby’s digestion regular and relieve constipation.

Important Tip

Always introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 2-3 days before trying a new food to monitor for any allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Constipation Home Remedies For Babies

There are several safe constipation home remedies that you can use for constipation relief in babies, such as

• Massage your baby’s tummy gently in a circular motion to stimulate bowel movements.
• Make them do bicycle legs gently to alleviate gas and constipation.
• Give your baby a warm bath to relax their muscles and help them pass stool more easily.
• Offer prune puree or diluted prune juice, a natural laxative in small amounts to encourage bowel movements.
• Hydrate with warm water (for babies over six months), between feedings to soften stools and ease constipation.
• Add fiber-rich foods to their dietlike pears, peaches, and peas if your baby is eating solids. These foods support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
• Use a rectal thermometer (as a last resort) for a few seconds to stimulate the rectum and encourage bowel movement. Consult a pediatrician before using this method.
• Encourage tummy time to strengthen your baby’s abdominal muscles and stimulate bowel activity. Let your baby lie on their tummy under supervision for short periods.

Healthy Sleep Habits Help Prevent Constipation

Adequate sleep is vital for your baby’s digestive health. A consistent sleep schedule supports overall well-being and ensures that the digestive system functions properly, which can help prevent constipation.

For babies aged 0-3 months, at least 14-17 hours of sleep per day is recommended, including naps. Babies aged 4-11 months should get 12-16 hours of sleep per day.

How to develop healthy sleep habits in babies?

• Establish a routine that aligns with your baby’s natural sleep cycles.
• Create a calm sleep environment like keeping the room dark and quiet, and using white noise if needed to help your baby relax.
• Avoid overstimulation before bed and engage in calming activities like a bath or reading before bedtime.
• Avoid letting your baby nap too late in the day, which can disrupt nighttime sleep.
• Ensure your baby sleeps in a comfortable sleeping position like on their back on a firm mattress for both safety and comfort.

Consistent Pooping Patterns Ease Constipation

Encouraging regular bowel habits in babies can help reduce the risk of constipation. Here are steps to establish a consistent pooping routine:

1. Observe natural patterns: Pay attention to the times of day when your baby tends to poop and create a routine around those periods.
2. Position for pooping: For babies who are sitting up, use a small stool or potty seat to support their feet, creating a squatting position that helps apply gentle pressure on the tummy.
3. Encourage activity: Encourage crawling or active play, which can stimulate digestion and promote regular bowel movements.
4. Massage and warm baths: Use gentle massages and warm baths to help your baby relax and regulate their digestive system.
5. Avoid long periods standing for pooping: If your baby seems to stand for long periods before pooping, gently guide them into a sitting or squatting position to reduce strain and discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Supporting your baby through constipation can be simple with the right diet and care. A good constipation diet plan not only provides relief but also builds healthy habits for the future. Always pay attention to your baby’s unique needs, and don’t hesitate to consult a pediatrician if symptoms persist. Your thoughtful efforts now will set the stage for smoother days—both for digestion and parenting.