Purees that ease constipation
Constipation is no stranger to babies!
In fact, constipation is one of the ten most frequent conditions that a general pediatrician sees. In our previous article about Natural Ways to Ease Constipation, we covered things such as fibere and magnesium. These are both found in several foods you can feed your baby. So, we decided to put together a few of our favourite purees containing these to make your baby a little more comfortable
Pea, Broccoli and Apple – Apples have around 3-4 grams of fibre. Don’t forget to keep the apple peels on, as that’s where most of the fibre is! Broccoli is also very high in fibre, as most dark green vegetables are. Peas pack an additional boost of protein for a complete meal that tastes delicious
Pear, Banana and Cinnamon – Pears have several ingredients that aid in constipation such as fibre, sorbitol and fructose. They also have high levels of water content, which can ease digestion and prevent constipation. Like, apples it’s best to leave the skin intact. Bananas are also high in fibre and potassium. Cinnamon has an antispasmodic effect, and relieves gas build up in the stomach. It also eases indigestion by blocking production of body chemicals that lead to inflammation
Babycook Recipes: Pear, Banana & Cinnamon Puree
Beet and Carrot – Though beets aren’t a dark, leafy green, they do have a great fibre content. Bonus? By steaming beats in your Babycook, its vitamin A and beta carotene will be more easily absorbed by your baby’s body. Carrots of course give an extra dose of vitamins A, K and C
Babycook Recipes: Beetroot (from cooked beetroot)
Avocado, Banana, Flaxseed – Besides being good for your skin, avocados also can help with constipation. They contain a high amount of fibre and are the only fruit to contain a high amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA.) They’re nutrient dense with almost 20 different vitamins and minerals. As stated before, Bananas can also aid in digestion. Flaxseeds in themselves are a powerhouse, containing fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds can also aid with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Babycook Recipes: Energetic Banana
Asparagus, Spinach and Lemon - Asparagus has a high amount of insoluble fibre, which adds bulk to stool and encourages regular bowel movements. Spinach, another dark leafy green, contains tons of fibre. It’s also high in magnesium, which also encourages the colon to flush things out. In addition to adding a nice tartness to the puree, lemon juice is a natural laxative due to its citric acid content. It also acts as a stimulant to flushing toxins out of the body. Talk about being a main squeeze!
Babycook Recipes: Cod Asparagus
Constipation during the weaning stage is incredibly common, and in most cases, a few simple tweaks to your baby's diet can make a real difference. The right purees think prunes, pears, peaches, peas, and sweet potato work gently with your baby's developing digestive system to get things moving naturally, without the need to reach for medication
The key is variety and consistency. Rotate through different fruit and vegetable purees, keep up fluids alongside solids, and pay attention to how your baby responds to different foods. Every baby's digestive system is unique, and what works like a charm for one may need a little adjusting for another. Be patient with the process, trust your instincts, and remember this phase passes
If constipation persists despite dietary changes, or your baby seems to be in significant pain or discomfort, always check in with your GP or maternal child health nurse. You know your baby best
Frequently Asked Questions
Which purees are best for relieving baby constipation?
The most effective purees for constipation relief are those high in fibre and natural sorbitol a naturally occurring sugar that draws water into the bowel and softens stools. Top picks include prune puree, pear puree, peach puree, and apricot puree. Vegetable-based options like pea puree and broccoli are also excellent choices. These are often called the "P fruits" by paediatric dietitians, and for good reason they're consistently the most effective natural remedy for constipated babies
Can purees cause constipation in babies?
Yes, some purees can contribute to constipation if introduced in large quantities too soon. Foods like banana, apple (without skin), white potato, and rice cereal are known to be binding and can slow digestion. This doesn't mean you need to avoid them entirely just balance them out with higher-fibre options and ensure your baby is getting enough fluids alongside their solids
How much water does my baby need when starting solids?
Once you introduce solids, small sips of cooled, boiled water can be offered alongside meals. Babies under 12 months still get the majority of their hydration from breast milk or formula, but adding a little water at mealtimes can help support healthy digestion and prevent constipation. There's no set amount just offer it and let your baby guide how much they want
When should I see a doctor about baby constipation?
Occasional constipation is normal during weaning as your baby's digestive system adjusts to solids. However, see your GP or maternal child health nurse if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement in more than three to four days, seems to be in significant pain or distress, has blood in their stool, or if dietary changes aren't making a difference after a week or two. It's always better to get checked out if you're unsure
At what age can I introduce prune puree for constipation?
Prune puree can be introduced from around four to six months, when your baby first starts solids. It can be offered on its own or blended with other purees like apple or pear to balance the flavour. Start with a small amount a teaspoon or two and see how your baby responds before increasing the quantity
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