Baby Constipation After Starting Solids: What Causes It and How to Fix It

Let’s talk poop. (Hey, I’m a pediatrician—this is basically dinner table conversation for me.)

Introducing solid foods is a huge milestone in your baby’s development. It’s exciting, messy, and full of adorable moments—sweet potato mustaches, avocado hairstyles, and proud first bites. But amidst the excitement, digestive changes can pop up too, like baby constipation when starting solids.

Don’t worry! This is very common, and likely temporary, but in the meantime there are plenty of ways to help your baby manage constipation.

Why do babies get constipated when starting solids?

Constipation during the introduction of solids is very common, and it primarily occurs because your baby’s digestive system is undergoing a significant change.

Here’s why:

A new type of nutrition

Breast milk and formula are highly digestible, providing all the nutrients your baby needs without much effort from their digestive system. When you introduce solids, the gut suddenly has to process more complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats — things it hasn’t dealt with before. This adjustment can slow down digestion temporarily as the body learns to break down and absorb these new nutrients efficiently.

Lower fiber intake

Many classic first foods—such as iron-fortified rice cereal, bananas, and applesauce—are low in fiber, which can lead to firmer stools. Fiber helps bulk up and soften stools, so if your baby isn’t getting enough, things might move a little slower.

Decreased fluid intake

As babies start eating solids, they may naturally drink less breast milk or formula. If fluid intake is not maintained, stools can become harder and more difficult to pass. Hydration plays a significant role in digestion, and keeping up with breast milk, formula, and small amounts of water (if your baby is over six months) can help soften stools.

Immature digestive coordination

Your baby’s digestive system is still developing. Coordinating digestion, absorption, and elimination takes practice, and sometimes, things slow down as their system adjusts. The muscles that control bowel movements may not yet be working in a smooth and synchronized manner, leading to temporary constipation.

Adjusting to a new routine

Just like adults can get “off schedule” when traveling or changing diets, babies can too. Their bodies need time to adapt to this new way of eating. Changes in routine, stress, or illness can also contribute to temporary constipation.

Signs of constipation in babies

Recognizing signs of constipation in babies early can help you take quick action.

• Fewer bowel movements than usual
  

• Hard, dry, or pellet-like stools
  

• Straining or discomfort during bowel movements
  

• Excessive gas or bloating
  

• A firm or distended abdomen
  

• Fussiness, especially before passing a stool
  

Keep in mind that some babies grunt or turn red when pooping, even if their stool is soft. This is usually normal and not a sign of constipation.

How to relieve baby constipation after starting solids

If you're wondering how to help baby constipation after starting solids, these gentle diet and lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference:

Offer high-fiber foods

Incorporate fruits and vegetables that are naturally rich in fiber, such as:

• Prunes, pears, peaches, and plums—the “P” fruits
  

• Cooked peas, spinach, broccoli, and avocado
  

• Whole grain options like oatmeal instead of refined cereals
  

These foods help soften stools and promote digestion by increasing bulk and moisture content in bowel movements.

Keep baby hydrated

Continue to offer regular breast milk or formula feeds, as these remain your baby’s primary source of hydration and nutrition. For babies over 6 months of age, you can also introduce small amounts of water (1–2 ounces) in a cup with meals. However, it is important that water does not replace a regular milk feed.

Promote movement and digestion

Physical activity stimulates digestion. Try tummy time, bicycle leg movements, or gentle abdominal massages to help get things moving.

Balance constipating foods

Certain foods—like bananas, white rice, applesauce, and dairy products—can contribute to firmer stools. No need to eliminate them, just balance them with fiber-rich options to ensure your baby’s digestive system functions smoothly.

Use massage and warm baths

A gentle tummy massage in a circular motion can help stimulate bowel movements. Warm baths also help relax the abdominal muscles, making it easier for your baby to poop comfortably.

Consider probiotics

Some research suggests that probiotics—beneficial bacteria found in certain foods or supplements—can support gut health and digestion.
This study from the NIH—although mostly conducted in adult patients—concluded that probiotics are moderately effective in decreasing intestinal transit times compared to the control, meaning food moved through the gut faster with probiotics.

You can talk to your pediatrician about whether probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or probiotic drops may be helpful for your baby.

In addition to constipation, some babies also experience gas and colic. These can be helped with strategies above, but we also deep dive on all three in a previous article: 

7 Expert Tips to Relieve Baby Gas, Colic, and Constipation Naturally

When to consider medical treatment

Pediatricians are experts in all things poop. In fact, about 1 in 20 pediatric visits are related to constipation, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
 If you're unsure whether your baby's symptoms are normal, or if constipation persists, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician.

Please reach out to your pediatrician if:

• Your baby has not had a bowel movement in several days
  

• Bowel movements are consistently painful or very hard
  

• There is blood in the stool

• Your baby is excessively fussy or seems in significant discomfort
  

• You are unsure whether your baby’s stooling pattern is normal
  
  

Final thoughts

Constipation is a common and usually temporary part of transitioning to solid foods.
With a little patience, dietary adjustments, and—if needed—medical support, your baby will soon settle into a more regular and comfortable routine.

For additional guidance and baby-friendly, fiber-rich recipes, Bébé Foodie is a great resource to support you and your little one on this journey.

Keep an eye on how your baby responds to new foods, and don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
A happy tummy makes for a happy baby—and a happy parent too!

Written by Dr. Michelle Schiffman, MD

Pediatrician & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Dr. Michelle Shiffman is a board-certified pediatrician based in Denver, Colorado. She brings her expertise in early development, food introduction, and culturally-sensitive care to Bébé Foodie, where she supports the creation of our evidence-based content and contributes to our expert panel. Michelle’s favorite part of her work is connecting with families during infant and toddler visits—especially when it comes to discussing developmental milestones and feeding. As a mom herself, she's also experienced the ups and downs of starting solids and managing picky eating.

 

This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child's health or readiness for various foods.