Symptoms of constipation in babies

You’ll usually be able to recognise if your baby has constipation because of the following symptoms^2,3:

• Delayed or infrequent passage (less than two per week) of small, dry, hard stools
• Pain and straining on going to the toilet
• Foul-smelling wind or stools
• Excessive flatulence
• Poor appetite
• Lack of energy

Constipation is not a life-threatening condition, but it can become chronic if left untreated. So, if your baby is showing any signs of being constipated, you should talk to your health visitor, pharmacist or GP to prevent any persistent problems. If your baby is less than a year old, our Baby Symptom Checker is a useful way to capture your baby's symptoms for this discussion.

What causes constipation in babies?

There are a number of possible causes of constipation in infants²:

Dietary and fluid intake – if your baby is teething or unwell they may refuse food and drink, which can cause dehydration, leading to constipation.

Dietary change – your baby’s digestive system is new, so adjusting to new foods can be difficult.

Organic causes – sometimes there can be a psychological cause like a small tear in the anal canal, called a fissure, causing your baby pain. To avoid the pain they will stop themselves going to the toilet.

Psychological factors – if babies get into the habit of withholding stools for any reason, it can become an acquired behaviour.

Generally breastfed babies are less likely to suffer with constipation than bottlefed babies, although some do. Fortunately most causes of constipation can be treated by making simple adjustments, which should prevent further problems.

If you want to talk to someone about baby constipation, our expert careline team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you want to talk to someone about baby constipation, our expert careline team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Last reviewed: 1st July 2016