If your baby seems a little backed up, you’re not alone—constipation can be common in the first year. A lot of the time, a few small changes to their routine or diet can make a big difference. Let’s break down what might be going on, how to spot indicators of constipation, and what you can do to help your baby keep things moving!
Constipation is what happens when poop spends too much time in the colon. The colon absorbs too much water from the poop, making the stool hard and dry. Hard, dry poop is more difficult for the rectum muscles to push out of the body.2 And the longer it stays in the colon, the worse the condition can get.
While constipation can cause pain and discomfort, it’s usually not a serious condition, and sometimes just a few dietary changes are needed to get things moving again. Some common causes of baby constipation include:
Changes in your baby’s diet. Switching from breastmilk to cow’s milk, or introducing solid foods as their tummy learns how to digest could cause constipation.
Certain foods. In babies over six months of age, bananas, rice cereals, apple sauce, pasta, cereals, and too much cheese are a few types of foods that may contribute to constipation.3
Changes to your baby’s routine. Events that disrupt your little one’s typical routine, such as traveling, could cause constipation.
Cow’s milk protein allergy. Some babies may experience constipation due to cow’s milk protein allergy.4
Dehydration. Nursing and consuming formula can be uncomfortable for babies who are teething or have a stuffy nose, so they might not consume enough and become dehydrated.5 Lack of fluids can make poop harder.
Family history. Constipation can run in families.
Some medications. Constipation can be a side effect of some medications.
Lack of fiber. Older babies who may not be getting enough fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may experience constipation.
Medical conditions. Rarely, constipation can stem from a colon disease, anatomic malformation, or neurological issue.6
Your baby’s bowel habits are unpredictable for a number of reasons. Understanding what could be causing your little one’s constipation may help you come up with strategies for managing it. Talk to your pediatrician for guidance.
While some believe that their baby’s hard, difficult-to-pass stools are linked to iron-fortified infant formulas, the iron in formula is not enough to contribute to constipation.7 Iron is extremely important for your baby’s growth and development and should not be eliminated. In fact, if your baby is low in iron, your doctor may recommend a supplement like Enfamil® Fer-In-Sol® Iron Drops. Iron plays a role in brain development and creating healthy red blood cells, which help carry oxygen throughout the body.
Common indicators of constipation in babies include
Keep in mind that your baby’s poop habits will be very different from an adult’s. What may be cause for concern in an adult may actually be expected in an infant. For example, because infants have weak abdominal muscles, they must work extra hard to have a bowel movement. So, straining to poop isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, even when your baby cries or gets red in the face. It’s a major effort for a baby to have a bowel movement, especially because they often need to poop while lying on their back or sitting on the floor. Looking at all the above factors—not just straining—can be helpful when trying to determine if your baby is constipated.
If your little one’s bowel movements are experiencing a slowdown, it’s always good to let your doctor know as you try these simple baby constipation relief tips to help get things moving.
Try different foods
If your baby is on solids, ask your pediatrician about trying fiber-rich foods.
Boost good bacteria with prebiotics and probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics can help establish a healthy gut microbiome, which can impact many bodily functions and potentially increase stool frequency.8
Get moving
Keeping your little one moving can help keep their bowels moving, too. Depending on your baby’s age, encourage crawling or walking, or roll them over from back to front. You can also try moving their legs by gently guiding their knees toward their stomach, one at a time, like they are riding a bike.
Give apple or pear juice
If your baby is at least a month old, a little apple or pear juice may help loosen stool. Check with your doctor first.
Try a formula designed to promote comfortable stools
Sometimes simple diet changes make all the difference. If your baby is using formula, ask your pediatrician if switching formulas could help. Enfamil® Reguline® has prebiotics to help promote good digestive health and comfortable poops and has all the same great nutrition as other Enfamil formulas.
Don’t attempt to manage constipation medically on your own. Never give your baby laxatives, suppositories, or enemas unless instructed by your doctor. If you’re concerned about your baby’s stool pattern, check with your pediatrician for advice.
It depends on your baby’s age and what they’re eating. In many cases, it’s perfectly normal for babies to go a few days without a bowel movement—especially as their digestive systems mature.
In the first few weeks, breastfed newborns might poop several times a day—sometimes after every feeding. Formula-fed newborns also tend to go more regularly, often at least once a day.9
As babies grow, it’s common for bowel movements to become less frequent. Some breastfed babies may go up to a week without pooping, and that can still be normal if the stool is soft when it does come. Formula-fed babies may poop every day or every few days. 9
If you suspect your baby is constipated and wondering if you should call your pediatrician, ask yourself the following questions:
Is your baby excessively fussy?
Is your baby spitting up more than usual?
Is your baby having dramatically more or fewer bowel movements than before?
Are your baby’s poops unusually hard, or do they contain blood?
Does your baby strain for more than 10 minutes without success?
If you answer “yes” to any of the above, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician. A professional evaluation will help you determine the root of the issue and give you some peace of mind. You’ll also want to call the doctor if you notice the following:
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Rectal bleeding
It’s not unusual for babies to have unpredictable bowel movements. In many cases, a few simple dietary changes and increased activity can help your baby experience more regular bowel movements. Check with your doctor for guidance. If you’re feeding your baby formula, ask if Enfamil Reguline Infant formula could be a good constipation management option. Enfamil Reguline is designed with prebiotics proven* to promote soft, comfortable stools within the first week of use. It’s a nutritionally complete formula that can be used throughout your baby’s first year and may help relieve backed-up poop and get your little one’s bowel movements back on track.
*Proven in Enfamil Infant Formula.
It’s hard watching your baby struggle with something as simple as a poop. You want to make it better—but sometimes, it’s hard to know what’s normal and what’s not. Whether your little one is going a few days without a dirty diaper or seems uncomfortable during feedings, you’re not alone—and there are ways to help.
Here’s what every parent should know:
Baby constipation is more common than you might think—especially during growth spurts or feeding changes.
Look for signs like firm, dry stools or extra fussiness during diaper changes.
Gentle massages, leg exercises, and small feeding tweaks can sometimes bring relief.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, your pediatrician can help guide the way.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings for expert guidance, helpful tips, free formula samples, and a community that’s with you every step of the way. We’re here to help you navigate all the messy, beautiful moments of parenthood—with confidence.
As with most things, practice makes perfect—and rest assured, you’ll get plenty of diaper-changing practice those first couple of years. In no time you’ll be a pro and be able to tackle your baby’s diaper with confidence. For more tips and resources on all things baby, including nutrition and feeding, be sure to join Enfamil Family Beginnings®. Enjoy up to $400 in savings, plus exclusive rewards, support, and surprises.
Join NowReferences:
1. “Pooping by the Numbers: What’s Normal for Infants?” HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Pooping-By-the-Numbers.aspx Last updated July 11, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2025.
2. “Pooping by the Numbers: What’s Normal for Infants?” HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Pooping-By-the-Numbers.aspx Last updated July 11, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2025.
3. “Baby and Constipation: What You Need to Know.” Mercy St. Louis. https://www.mercy.net/service/newborn-baby-care/constipation/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20causes%20of,of%20yogurt%2C%20cheese%20and%20milk Accessed August 7, 2025.
4. Biggs, Wendy S., M.D., and Dery, William H., M.D. “Evaluation and Treatment of Constipation in Infants and Children.” https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0201/p469.html Accessed August 7, 2025.
5. “Breastfeeding challenges.” National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/constipation/ Accessed August 7, 2025.
6. “What is Constipation?” GI Kids. https://gikids.org/constipation/what-is-constipation/. August 7, 2025.
7. “Choosing a Baby Formula.” HealthyKids.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Choosing-an-Infant-Formula.aspx Accessed August 7, 2025.
8. Huang, Ruixue and Hu, Jianan. “Positive Effect of Probiotics on Constipation in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Randomized Controlled Trials.” National Library of Medicine, April 28, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5408016/ Accessed August 7, 2025.
9. American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Baby's first days: Bowel movements and urination. HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved August 7, 2025., from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/babys-first-days-bowel-movements-and-urination.aspx
All information on Enfamil, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.
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