In infants, mild constipation often occurs when there is insufficient water intake. For example, if the breastfeeding mother does not drink enough or the infant formula is too concentrated. An excess of flour or thickeners in the bottle can also contribute to constipation in babies. In addition, incorrect dilution of formula milk or a maternal diet rich in constipating foods (rice, quince, banana, chocolate, starchy foods) increases this risk.
Infant transit and digestive system
An infant’s digestive system is still immature. Their stomach has a small capacity and their digestive tract is shorter. This makes them more susceptible to transit disorders. Milk is digested quickly and feeds are frequent. In the event of insufficient hydration, this can lead to functional constipation.
The abdominal muscles, which are still weak, sometimes make it difficult to pass stools, even though intestinal transit remains relatively rapid. At the same time, the intestinal microbiota is gradually developing. It depends in particular on the mode of delivery and the type of feeding. It then plays a key role in the balance of the baby’s transit.
Baby constipation and genetic factors
Constipation in infants is not solely dependent on diet or hydration. A family history of digestive disorders can also increase the risk. Certain hereditary predispositions alter colon motility or intestinal sensitivity. These make passing stools more difficult from the early months onwards.
In rarer cases, baby constipation is linked to genetic diseases. Hirschsprung’s disease and cystic fibrosis, for example, cause a significant slowing of transit. Very infrequent or hard stools, a bloated tummy or pain during bowel movements should therefore prompt a visit to the doctor.
When should you talk about constipation in babies?
The frequency of bowel movements varies greatly, especially in breastfed babies. Some infants have several bowel movements a day. Others only have one every two or three days, which is not necessarily pathological. We talk about baby constipation when bowel movements remain infrequent and/or hard. They become difficult to pass and are accompanied by significant straining or pain.
Most newborns pass meconium within the first 24 hours. A delay of more than 24 to 48 hours is a warning sign. In addition, constipation present from birth or associated with hypotonia and poor sucking should be investigated for an organic cause.
Management and treatments to avoid
In cases of functional constipation, several simple measures can help with bowel movements. First, ensure adequate hydration. It is also important to follow the recommended dilutions for infant formula and limit excessive cow’s milk consumption in older infants. Gentle solutions such as lactulose or infant glycerine suppositories can, on medical advice, help soften stools.
However, mineral oil should not be given orally to young children. It poses a risk of aspiration and pneumonitis and is not recommended for self-medication. Finally, if your baby’s constipation persists, becomes severe or is associated with other symptoms, a medical evaluation is necessary. Your doctor will then be able to recommend appropriate laxatives or refer you to a specialist if necessary.
FAQs on baby constipation: questions from parents
1. How often should a constipated infant have a bowel movement?
The frequency of bowel movements in infants varies greatly: some babies have several bowel movements a day, others only one every 2 to 3 days, especially if they are breastfed.
Baby constipation is more likely to be diagnosed when stools become infrequent, hard, difficult to pass or painful, rather than based on frequency alone.
2. Constipation in breastfed babies: can the mother’s diet play a role?
Yes, the breastfeeding mother’s diet can slightly alter the composition of breast milk and influence the baby’s digestive comfort.
In cases of constipation in breastfed babies, it is helpful for the mother to ensure she is well hydrated and has a varied and balanced diet, while seeking advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
3. What foods should be avoided or prioritised for a baby prone to constipation?
For infants starting solid foods, certain foods can cause constipation in some babies, such as rice cereal, very ripe bananas or large quantities of cooked carrots.
Conversely, purées of prunes, pears or peaches, adapted to the child’s age, as well as fibre-rich vegetables can help soften stools and support more comfortable bowel movements.
4. How can I tell if my constipated infant is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a constipated baby may include a dry mouth, chapped lips, fewer tears when crying, less frequent wet nappies and extreme tiredness or irritability.
If you suspect dehydration, especially in cases of persistent constipation, fever, or refusal to feed, it is important to consult a doctor promptly.
5. Baby constipation: when to seek emergency medical attention?
Medical intervention is necessary if your infant’s constipation is accompanied by vomiting, fever, refusal to feed or eat, blood in the stool, or signs of severe pain.
You should also seek medical advice if constipation lasts for several days despite dietary measures, if it is present from birth, or if your baby seems generally unwell.
- https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/chez-les-enfants/constipation-bebe-enfant.html
- https://www.livi.fr/en-bonne-sante/constipation-bebe-enfant/
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/fr/professional/pédiatrie/symptômes-chez-le-nourrisson-et-l-enfant/constipation-chez-l-enfant
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3225481/
- https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/chez-les-enfants/constipation-bebe-enfant/que-faire.html
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/fr/professional/multimedia/table/traitement-de-la-constipation-chez-lenfant
