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Foods That Cause Constipation In Babies

Team AckoJun 27, 2024

Babies, in general, often suffer from constipation. In most of the cases, your baby’s food is responsible for constipation. It is important to take a closer look at your baby’s diet at the first signs of constipation to find out what foods cause constipation in babies. Foods that your baby consumes directly influences the ease with which they poop. The substances which are present in foods tend to constipate babies. This usually happens when babies start having solid foods.

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Contents

How to know if your baby is constipated?

There are different colours and textures of baby poop.

1. If it is any of the following colours- green brown, yellow, green black or brown and of a regular texture, you do not have to worry.

2. If you find that the stools are hard and pebbly, irregular and your baby is finding it difficult to poop, then it might be constipated.

Constipation in babies is very rare when they take liquid nature foods in their initial months. When your child starts with solid foods and he has difficulty in passing stools, then it is a sign of constipation.

Foods that can cause constipation in babies :

Below are the lists of foods that may cause constipation in babies:

1. Milk protein:

Protein in milk can cause constipation in babies. So, you need to be careful once you start giving formula milk. Babies may even develop allergies towards the protein, which is present in breast milk, which will result in constipation.

2. Formula food:

There are ingredients present in formula food, which are difficult to digest by babies, thereby causing constipation. Complex proteins are also present in formula milk, which causes hardening of the poop.

3. Rice:

The two solid foods most mothers consider while starting solid foods are rice and porridge. Some babies may find it hard to digest rice and may feel constipated.

4. Carrots:

Raw or juice form of carrot is good for babies. When you give steam cooked carrots to your baby it may cause constipation. Steamed carrots tend to solidify the poop causing it difficult for babies to excrete.

5. Raw banana:

Raw bananas are given to babies either as a cooked vegetable or as a porridge, which is made out of raw banana powder. Unripe banana can cause gastric problems in babies and they may feel constipated.

6. Apples:

Apple has a property to harden the stool and is usually given as a home remedy for diarrhoea. A popular baby food, steamed apple can cause constipation in babies. Also, avoid giving applesauce to your baby as it contains a substance called pectin protein, which is known to harden the stool.

7. Cheese:

Essential vitamins and minerals are present in cheese. It is also a superfood for babies. It is usually given as a snack for babies. However, cheese is low in fibre and can cause constipation.

8. White bread:

White bread is made with an all-purpose flour. It is a processed form of grain and contains low fibre. White bread lacks fibre in substantial quantity and this causes constipation in babies.

9. Tubers:

These are high rich starch vegetables, which give babies the energy to grow and function. Most of the tubers, except sweet potato, have less fibre and make it difficult for babies to pass stool.

10. Yoghurt:

Yoghurt contains good bacteria which facilitate digestion. It also has a binding effect on food substances and sometimes may cause constipation in babies.

Foods that help in relieving constipation in babies :

Below are some foods, which will help to relieve constipation in babies:

1. Prunes:

These are rich in fibre and a great source of multivitamins. It helps in curing constipation in babies. Prunes should be soaked overnight and given to babies as a first thing in the morning. Even prune juice can be given to help relieve constipation. This fruit helps in aiding smooth bowel movement.

2. Beans:

They contain soluble and insoluble fibres which help in digestion and aid in smooth excretion of poop in babies.

3. Green peas:

Fresh green peas contain more fibre. For babies it can be given as blended puree by boiling. This will help to ease the process of releasing stool.

4. Apricots:

It is a seasonal fruit which is used for treating constipation. For babies it can be given either as raw or in the form of juice. Dried apricot can be soaked overnight and given to babies.

5. Oatmeal:

It provides much needed fibre present in food and helps in preventing stool from hardening.

6. Pear:

This is a fruit which is rich in fibre and vitamin C. Fibre and vitamin C aid proper digestion and relieve constipation. Few drops of pear juice can be given to babies to cure constipation.

7. Broccoli:

A superfood for babies, broccoli is a rich source of protein and fibre. Small florets, which are steamed can be given as a finger food which will ease the excretion process.

8. Sweet potatoes:

They are non-constipating baby foods. They help in relieving constipation and provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for growing babies.

9. Berries:

They are rich in antioxidants and a great food for babies and toddlers. They also provide relief from constipation.

10. Whole grain bread:

Unlike white bread, whole grain bread contains good fibre and prevents constipation.

You should give your baby substantial quantity of water to keep his excretory system well-lubricated. As parents, you will go through a lot of stress when your baby is suffering from constipation. Positive changes in his diet and regular physical activity can cure constipation and other stomach-related problems.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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