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Feeding

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.

💡Quick Answer

  • Offer 2-3 sips of water after every solid meal
  • Add prune or pear purée to the diet — natural stool softeners
  • Reduce binding foods like banana, rice cereal, and potato initially
  • Try papaya, steamed apple, and pumpkin purées
  • Bicycle leg exercises and clockwise tummy massage help
  • If no stool for 3+ days with straining and discomfort, consult pediatrician

⚠️ Caution:Do not give laxatives, honey, or gripe water for constipation without doctor's advice. If baby has blood in stool, a distended belly, or is in visible pain, see a pediatrician immediately.

🤔What Parents Worry About

Seeing your baby strain and cry while passing stool is distressing. Many parents blame themselves for starting solids too early. Moms reassure that the digestive system needs time to adjust — small dietary tweaks and extra water almost always resolve it within a few days.

Community Answers from Moms(5)

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.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: March 23, 2026

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My baby got constipated after starting purees at 5-6 months. What can I do? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider