Foods That Can Cause Constipation in Babies
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to foods that can cause constipation in babies, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
It is very common for babies to experience constipation when they begin eating solid foods. Certain foods, including rice cereal, bananas, dairy products, and low-fiber processed foods, are more likely to slow digestion. Balancing these with high-fiber foods like prunes, pears, peas, and oats can help keep your baby regular.
Key takeaways
- It is very common for babies to experience constipation when they begin eating solid foods. Certain foods, including rice cereal, bananas, dairy products, and low-fiber processed foods, are more likely to slow digestion. Balancing these with high-fiber foods like prunes, pears, peas, and oats can help keep your baby regular.
- Usually normal when: Your baby's stool consistency changes when you introduce new foods but returns to normal within a few days
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has not had a bowel movement in over a week and appears to be in pain with a distended abdomen
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, it is very common for babies to experience constipation when they begin eating solid foods. Certain foods, including rice cereal, bananas, dairy products, and low-fiber processed foods, are more likely to slow digestion. Balancing these with high-fiber foods like prunes, pears, peas, and oats can help keep your baby regular. At 3-6 months, if your baby is exclusively breastfed, constipation is rare since breastmilk is easily digested. Formula-fed babies may experience firmer stools. If you are just beginning solids around six months, the introduction of new foods can change stool consistency. Rice cereal, a traditional first food, is a common culprit for constipation. Consider starting with oat cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables instead. It is generally considered normal when your baby's stool consistency changes when you introduce new foods but returns to normal within a few days. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has not had a bowel movement in over a week and appears to be in pain with a distended abdomen.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
3-6 months
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, constipation is rare since breastmilk is easily digested. Formula-fed babies may experience firmer stools. If you are just beginning solids around six months, the introduction of new foods can change stool consistency. Rice cereal, a traditional first food, is a common culprit for constipation. Consider starting with oat cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables instead.
6-12 months
As your baby eats a wider variety of solids, you may notice certain foods consistently cause harder stools. Common constipating foods include bananas, white rice, white bread, applesauce, and excessive dairy. Counter these with high-fiber options such as pureed prunes, pears, peaches, peas, beans, and oatmeal. Offering small amounts of water with meals can also help once your baby is eating solids regularly.
12-24 months
Toddlers who drink a lot of cow's milk often become constipated, as excessive dairy can slow digestion and reduce appetite for fiber-rich foods. Limit cow's milk to 16 to 24 ounces per day and prioritize whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Common toddler favorites like cheese, crackers, and white pasta can also contribute to constipation when eaten in excess. Ensure adequate fluid intake throughout the day.
24-36 months
A diet heavy in processed snack foods and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a common cause of toddler constipation. Encouraging your child to eat a variety of fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water is the best prevention strategy. If constipation becomes chronic despite dietary changes, your pediatrician may recommend a gentle stool softener.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed foods that can cause constipation in babies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools despite dietary adjustments.
- Mention if your baby or toddler goes more than three to four days without a bowel movement regularly.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby's stool consistency changes when you introduce new foods but returns to normal within a few days
- Your baby strains slightly when passing a stool after starting solids but the stool is still soft
- Your toddler skips a day between bowel movements but the stool is not hard or painful when it comes
- Your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools despite dietary adjustments
- Your baby or toddler goes more than three to four days without a bowel movement regularly
- Your child cries or shows significant distress during bowel movements
- You notice small streaks of blood on the outside of hard stools, which may indicate a small anal fissure
- Your baby has not had a bowel movement in over a week and appears to be in pain with a distended abdomen
- You see large amounts of blood in your baby's stool or diaper
- Your baby is vomiting along with severe constipation and a swollen belly
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice foods that can cause constipation in babies — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby's stool consistency changes when you introduce new foods but returns to normal within a few days — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 3-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has not had a bowel movement in over a week and appears to be in pain with a distended abdomen.
Related Resources
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is foods that can cause constipation in babies normal?
When should I call the doctor about foods that can cause constipation in babies?
When is foods that can cause constipation in babies normal?
What causes foods that can cause constipation in babies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about foods that can cause constipation in babies?
Is foods that can cause constipation in babies normal at 3-6 months?
Is foods that can cause constipation in babies normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for foods that can cause constipation in babies?
Does foods that can cause constipation in babies go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Constipation in Children. HealthyChildren.org, 2024. AAP
- [2]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation in Children. NIDDK, 2023. NIH
- [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Fiber: An Important Part of Your Teen's Diet. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Foods That Can Cause Constipation in Babies.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed foods that can cause constipation in babies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools despite dietary adjustments.
- Mention if your baby or toddler goes more than three to four days without a bowel movement regularly.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools despite dietary adjustments
- Your baby or toddler goes more than three to four days without a bowel movement regularly
- Your child cries or shows significant distress during bowel movements
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has not had a bowel movement in over a week and appears to be in pain with a distended abdomen
- You see large amounts of blood in your baby's stool or diaper
- Your baby is vomiting along with severe constipation and a swollen belly
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of foods that can cause constipation in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has not had a bowel movement in over a week and appears to be in pain with a distended abdomen.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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