Baby Constipation: Causes, Signs and Safe Remedies for UK Parents

6 min read

Quick answer: Constipation means hard, dry poos that are difficult to pass. If a breastfed baby under 6 weeks has not pooed in 24 to 48 hours, speak to your midwife or health visitor. Common triggers include starting solids, low fluids and illness. Extra fluids, pear or prune from 6 months, tummy massage and a warm bath can help. Green or yellow-green vomit: call 999 or go to A&E. Blood in poo, a swollen tummy or repeated vomiting: call 111.

What parents need to know

It can be worrying to see your baby straining or going days without a poo. But what's normal when it comes to baby bowel movements, and when should you be concerned?

The short answer: normal depends on your baby's age and how they are fed. A breastfed baby aged 4 days to 6 weeks who is feeding well should do at least 2 poos a day, while breastfed babies aged 6 weeks or older may poo less often. Signs of constipation include poos that are hard, dry or difficult to pass.

What is normal for baby poo?

Breastfed babies

Breastfed newborns typically have frequent, yellow, mustardy, runny stools — sometimes after every feed. Because breast milk is a natural laxative, a baby aged 4 days to 6 weeks who is breastfeeding well should pass at least 2 yellow poos a day. If your baby this age has not pooed in the past 24 to 48 hours, speak to your midwife or health visitor, as this may mean they are not getting enough milk. Breastfed babies aged 6 weeks or older may poo less often, and you will soon get to know what is normal for your baby.

Formula-fed babies

Formula-fed babies tend to have slightly firmer stools and may go 1–2 times per day. Harder stools and more infrequent emptying are more common in formula-fed babies.

When solids start

Starting solid foods is a common trigger for constipation as the digestive system adjusts. Stool will also change colour, texture, and smell as the diet changes.

Signs of true constipation in babies

Check for these signs

Hard, dry stools that look like pellets or pebbles
Significant straining with discomfort or crying during passing
A tummy that feels firm (a swollen tummy is different: see When to get help )
Infrequent stools that are difficult to pass (not just infrequent stools)
Blood in the poo, which can come from small tears caused by hard poo (ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111)

Sources: NHS, NCT, ERIC. General information, not medical advice.

Note: grunting, straining, and going red in the face is normal for all babies passing stool. This alone is not constipation.

Common causes

Starting solids: The digestive system is adjusting to new foods and textures.
Low fluid intake: Particularly in warm weather or when breastfeeding is reducing.
Low fibre: Too much refined cereal or not enough fruit, veg, and water in the diet.
Formula changes: Switching formula brands can affect stool consistency temporarily.
Illness: Fever or illness can dehydrate babies, leading to harder stools.

Cute baby enjoying a messy breakfast with avocado. Perfect moment of childhood captured.

How to help a constipated baby

Extra fluids

For babies under 6 months, extra breastfeeds or a small amount of cooled, boiled water (if formula-fed) can help. From 6 months, offer sips of water with meals. Do not give fruit juices to babies under 12 months.

Dietary adjustments (6 months+)

Include more fruit and vegetables with natural laxative effects: pear, prune, plum, apricot, mango, and broccoli are particularly helpful. Avoid too much rice cereal or banana in the short term.

Tummy massage

Gentle clockwise circular massage on the tummy can help stimulate the bowel. A bicycle legs movement — gently cycling your baby's legs while they lie on their back — can also help.

Warm bath

A warm bath can help relax your baby's muscles and stimulate a bowel movement.

When to get help

Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby:

Has green or yellow-green vomit
Is vomiting blood, or has vomit that looks like ground coffee
Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
Has a temperature below 36°C, or feels cold to touch or is shivery
Has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry
Has not had a pee (no wet nappies) in the past 12 hours

Call NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if your baby:

Keeps being sick and cannot keep fluid down
Stops breast or bottle feeding, or has signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies
Is under 12 months old and you are worried about them
Was born at full term and did not pass their first poo (meconium) within 48 hours of birth, or has been constipated since birth or the first few weeks of life
Has not had a poo for around 3 days and has a swollen tummy, tummy pain, or is straining or bleeding from their bottom when trying to poo
Has a swollen or tender tummy
Has blood in their poo

See your health visitor or GP if:

Your baby is in significant pain or discomfort
Home remedies aren't working after a few days

If your baby is breastfed and aged 4 days to 6 weeks, they should do at least 2 poos a day. If they have not pooed in the past 24 to 48 hours, speak to your midwife or health visitor, as this may mean they are not getting enough milk.

Your GP may prescribe a laxative, or want to check that the constipation is not being caused by an underlying medical condition. Only give your baby a laxative that a doctor has prescribed, and ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are not sure how to give it.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a breastfed baby to go days without pooing?

It depends on your baby's age. A breastfed baby aged 4 days to 6 weeks who is feeding well should do at least 2 poos a day. If they have not pooed in the past 24 to 48 hours, speak to your midwife or health visitor, as this may mean they are not getting enough milk. Breastfed babies aged 6 weeks or older may poo less often. If the poo is hard, dry or difficult to pass, see the signs of constipation above.

Sources & further reading

General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.