How to Prevent Constipation When Weaning

How to Prevent Constipation When Weaning

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Introduction

The monster called constipation.

“Ready or not, here I come.” Weaning is inevitable. Constipation is a choice.

When my second born was 4.5 months old, she would stare and drool with excitement anytime we ate. I offered her food. She opened her mouth fast. I weaned her.

But I forgot about the monster called constipation.

Four days went by. No poop. My second-time mom experience didn’t help. My baby was badly constipated. She screamed, passed hard pellet-like stool, and even fainted from the pain.

I was heartbroken.

This blog shares not just medical facts, but also real-life lessons. If you’re starting to wean, here’s how to prevent constipation when weaning your baby.

Telltale Signs of Constipation in Babies

  • Hard or pellet-like stool
  • Crying when pooping
  • Bloated tummy
  • Traces of blood in stool
  • Baby becomes irritable
  • Loss of appetite

Learn more about common baby rashes and their signs.

1. Start Weaning at the Right Time

Wait until your baby is around 6 months old. According to studies, a baby’s digestive system is ready to process solids between 6 to 9 months.

Early weaning (before 6 months) increases the risk of constipation. I saw this firsthand. My firstborn was weaned at 6 months—no issues. My second? 4.5 months—constipated.

Signs your baby is ready to wean:

  • Can sit upright with support
  • Has good head and neck control
  • Shows interest in food

More on this in our blog on When and How to Start Weaning Your Baby.

2. Introduce Solids Gradually

Follow the 3-day rule. Give one food item for 3 days before introducing another. This helps you:

  • Spot food allergies
  • Identify foods that cause constipation

Avoid doing what I did—offering 3 foods in 3 days. My baby was constipated by day 4.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Once solids are introduced, water becomes essential. It softens stool and prevents dehydration.

Tips to get your baby to drink water:

  • Use a colorful sippy cup
  • Offer water-rich foods like watermelon
  • Serve water at room temperature

Need more hydration advice? Check out baby immunity and hydration tips.

4. Serve Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber helps keep things moving.

Try: Fruits: Pears, apples (steamed and skinless), watermelon, mangoes
Veggies: Spinach, courgette, broccoli, butternut
Legumes: Lentils, peas, beans
Whole grains: Oats, brown rice

Avoid eliminating foods like white rice or bananas. Instead, pair them with fiber-rich options like mangoes or spinach.

Also read: Best Baby Formulas in Kenyan Stores

5. Don’t Overfeed

Overfeeding can slow colon movement and worsen constipation.

Start with:

  • 1 to 3 spoonfuls per meal
  • Increase gradually
  • Stop if baby shows signs of fullness

6. Other Natural Remedies

Tummy Massage: Gentle clockwise circles on the tummy.

Leg Cycling: Lay baby down, move legs like riding a bicycle.

Warm Baths: Help relax stomach muscles.

Read more on how to soothe a fussy baby.

Final Thoughts

My experience with constipation wasn’t pretty—but yours doesn’t have to be.

With patience and the tips above, your baby can transition to solids comfortably.

Still unsure about how to get started? Visit our store or browse online:

📍 Shop baby nutrition and feeding essentials
📍 Check out our best-selling formulas like Cow & Gate and NAN

Kiddie Kloset – Caring for you and your little one.

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