My baby got constipated after starting purees at 5-6 months. What can I do?

Constipation when starting solids is very common. Offering water between meals, high-fibre foods like prunes and pears, and reducing binding foods like banana and rice helps most babies.

Community Answers from Moms(18)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   Prune purée worked like magic for my baby. Even 1-2 teaspoons mixed into another purée helped within a day.

2. 2

   Our pediatrician said to offer sips of water after every solid meal. Babies starting purées need extra fluids their system isn't used to.

3. 3

   Cut back on banana and rice cereal — they're binding. Switch to pear, papaya, and steamed apple purées instead.

4. 4

   Bicycle legs and tummy massage in clockwise circles helped my baby pass stool when she was straining.

5. 5

   Grape or prune juice (diluted) works well for constipation. Mash banana into ragi or use steamed apple as natural sweetness instead of jaggery — this avoids added sugar while still making food palatable.

6. 6

   Keep offering water with a spoon between meals (try 30ml and add more fluids to the diet). Babies won't like lukewarm water initially but will start demanding it once used to it. If still refusing, you can try tulsi-infused water or cucumber-infused water after checking with your doctor.

7. 7

   Gently massage the baby's tummy, hold the baby's knees to the chest to mimic a squat, and move the legs as if cycling.

8. 8

   Make sure your purees have fibre. Give 3-4 soaked kismis (raisins) water, or soaked raisin water. Papaya is also good for constipation.

9. 9

   Chikoo (sapota) puree is fibre-rich and cleared my baby's constipation.

10. 10

    Boil ajwain seeds (jaggery optional) in water and feed lukewarm - it worked magic and also helps with tummy gas.

11. 11

    Prunes are very helpful - soak them in hot water and hand mash or make a smooth puree. A few spoons of prune or grape juice can move bowels quickly.

12. 12

    Try dragon fruit and kiwi - they help a lot with constipation.

13. 13

    Try pear puree and papaya, both good for constipation.

14. 14

    Carrot and banana can be constipating, so stop those for a bit and focus on veggies and fruits with lots of moisture, plus lots of nursing. Zucchini made quite liquid did the trick for me.

15. 15

    Give moong (mung) water and rice water: boil green moong, blend and strain, then add hing, lemon juice and pink salt. You can also give tomato juice and beetroot juice.

16. 16

    Avoid potato and brinjal as they can cause constipation. Avoid khichdi as it's heavy for this age. Start with purees of fruits, ragi, rice and dal once daily.

17. 17

    Solids should be started between two feeds when the baby is calm; initially they're just a filler and won't replace a feed. Continue breastfeeding/formula alongside meals.

18. 18

    If pee count drops, the baby is sluggish, or it lasts more than 2-3 days, message your doctor; otherwise it usually settles as the digestive system adjusts to solids.