Constipation in weaning babies is very common, one of the most frequent weaning questions I get asked during my #WeaningWednesday Q&A on Instagram is how to know if my baby is constipated and what foods to serve to help relieve baby constipation.
Remember, when you start to wean it is a whole new learning curve for your baby's body, they will be moving away from a purely liquid diet and it will take time to adjust to a new kind of digestion.
The first thing you need to know is how to spot the signs and symptoms of constipation. Tell-tale signs of constipation can be mild or can be quite obvious; these can appear as;
- Poor appetite
- Irritability
- Passing stools less often
- A hard, bloated belly
- Difficulty or straining when passing stools
- Hard, pellet-like stools
- Trace amounts of blood in the nappy when passing stools
Relieving your baby's constipation is as simple as feeding your baby the right thing. Here are my 5 go-to purée recipes I recommend to all parents of babies facing this problem.
Note: If your baby's constipation persists please consult your health care professional
Apple, Cinnamon & Prune Purée
Apples are rich in fibre and water, which help get the digestive system moving. Prune is probably the most well-known food for constipation relief as it acts as a natural laxative. Combined with a dash of cinnamon, this is a recipe that your baby will enjoy eating and it will help get things going! Find my recipe here
Beetroot and Plum Purée
Beetroot is a great vegetable for promoting digestion. Paired with plum they are a great team to alleviate constipation. Find my recipe here
Sweet Potato and Apple Purée
Feeding your baby sweet potato not only relieves constipation but can also prevent it, as it is naturally very high in fibre. Combining it with apple adds another level of flavour. Find my recipe here
Peach Purée with Ginger and Basil
Like apples, peaches have high water content. Extra water in the gut helps to soften stools to relieve constipation. Find my recipe here
Roasted Broccoli Purée
Broccoli is jam-packed with vitamins and is high in fibre which will stimulate your baby's bowels. Find my recipe here
A good way to remember the best fruit and vegetables to serve is;
P Fruits - Prunes, Pears, Plums, Peaches
B Vegetables - Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Beans
Remember, prevention is better than cure so try to include fibre rich foods in your baby's diet daily and offer sips of water with every meal.
If you see that your baby is still struggling with constipation after 2-3 days, I would advise you contact your paediatrician or public health nurse - especially if you continue to notice blood in their stool.
