There are natural remedies to fight constipation in babies, such as prune water, which is recommended by many pediatricians. In the first months after birth, the baby’s intestinal transit is not fully functional yet, so it is common for the child to go up to three days without a bowel movement and show certain symptoms, such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloated belly
  • Discomfort

Prune water is the most recommended natural remedy for these cases, as the fruit is rich in fibers that act directly on the hydration of stools and relief of intestinal constipation1. Most mothers have doubts about whether or not to offer prune water to a newborn. Ideally, teas or prune water should not be given before 6 months, as the baby’s digestive system is not yet fully matured. Consult your doctor to see the recommended approach for your baby’s case.

Why Do Babies Go Several Days Without a Bowel Movement?

When they are born, babies do not have a regular intestinal rhythm yet. Every time they ingest milk, the arrival of food in the stomach triggers a muscle reflex that quickly moves what was consumed to the intestine2. However, this reflex is still unstable and may slow down, making the baby go up to seven days without a bowel movement. When it finally happens, it is common for the stools to be watery, lumpy, or in large volume. Loss of the gastrocolic reflex and lower production of lactose (the sugar in breast milk) are also responsible for the stools’ loose appearance. After some time, babies need to learn how to make the correct movements for evacuation. Some take longer to master this effort, which can result in constipation. Usually, when straining to have a bowel movement, the baby will stretch their legs and turn red, a sign they are practicing for later doing this naturally. If a newborn is having trouble passing stools, the mother can help by removing the diapers and gently flexing the baby’s legs. Abdominal massages with circular motions for about two minutes are also recommended.

IMPORTANT: Do not give the baby antispasmodic medicines, as these can cause serious side effects and even worsen constipation.

Does Starting Solids Improve Intestinal Transit?

To mothers’ relief, discomfort may ease after the introduction of solids such as the first fruits, vegetables, and some fiber-rich foods healthy for digestive function. Different foods change stool consistency, supply varied nutrients, restore hydration, and affect color.

Mother’s Diet

What the mother eats and its relationship with baby’s intestinal health remains a complex topic without clear medical evidence3. However, in cases of frequent colic symptoms, the mother’s diet should be supervised. Excessive intake of cow’s milk, black tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and tobacco can worsen colic symptoms in babies. Each body should be considered individually. Pay attention if your baby had more colic at a certain time and what was eaten at that meal. This is a simple way to identify possible foods causing the child’s discomfort.

Prune Water: When Can I Offer It to My Baby?

Prune water is a home remedy commonly recommended to treat constipation in babies. However, the appropriate age for prune water depends heavily on each pediatrician and individual assessment of the newborn’s system. For safety, always check with your doctor before offering prune water. For babies older than six months and who are already eating fruits and purees, prune water can be given. Fruits are generally rich in fiber, but prunes rank first for helping treat and relieve constipation. The fruit is packed with fiber and antioxidants that support intestinal transit.

How to Prepare Prune Water

Boil about 90 ml of filtered water with four dried prunes. When the brew is lukewarm, offer it to the baby in a bottle. If the baby feeds only on breast milk, offer it with a spoon or small cup.

Laxative Juice Recipe for Babies Over 6 Months

Blend in a blender: Persian lime, prunes, papaya, and flaxseed flour, and offer this to the baby whenever constipated. If the child is over six months old, you can offer other foods to help regulate bowels, such as: nanica banana, papaya, escarole, kale, okra, oats, wheat bran, and lentils, among others. See also: Shantala and Baby’s Sleep Photo: PublicDomainPictures