Baby Constipation in Lebanon: Signs, Safe Remedies & Foods That Help (0–2 Years)

Dec 29

Constipation is one of the most common parent worries—especially when babies switch milk, start solids, or travel. The good news: most cases are temporary and improve with small, safe changes.

This guide covers:

What constipation really is (it’s not only “how many days”)
Quick red flags (when to call the pediatrician)
Gentle home tips
Foods that help (and foods that can worsen constipation)

Important: If your baby seems unwell, has a swollen belly, vomiting, fever, won’t feed, or you see blood in stool—contact your pediatrician promptly.

What counts as constipation?

Constipation usually means hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass—not just fewer dirty diapers.

  
        Looks like…
        Usually normal
        More likely constipation
      
        Pooping less often
        Some babies (especially after the newborn stage) poop less often and can still be normal if stools stay soft
        Less often plus hard, dry stools and discomfort
      
        Straining / grunting
        Some straining can be normal in babies
        Straining every time + crying or clear pain
      
        Stool texture
        Soft (like soft clay/peanut butter)
        Hard pellets or very dry, large painful stool

Common causes (very common in Lebanon too)

Switching formula or mixing formula too concentrated
Starting solids (some babies get constipated with rice cereal)
Not enough fiber once solids start (fruits/veg/legumes)
Travel/routine changes (holidays, visits, car time)
Toilet-training stage (toddlers may hold stool

Gentle, safe things you can do at home

For babies (especially early months)

Bicycle legs (move baby’s legs like pedaling)
Gentle tummy massage
Knees-to-chest position to mimic a squat Mayo Clinic
Warm bath can help relax the belly

For babies on solids (6+ months)

Add fiber-rich foods (pears/prunes/apples, vegetables, lentils)
Choose oats/wheat/barley options if rice cereal worsens constipation (every baby is different)

About water/juice

Sometimes clinicians suggest small amounts of water or apple/pear juice for constipation (because of sorbitol). This should be guided by your pediatrician—because general guidance also advises no juice under 12 months for routine drinking.

Red flags: when to call the pediatrician

  
        Call your pediatrician urgently if…
        Why it matters
      
        Swollen belly + vomiting or fever
        Could signal an illness needing medical assessment
      
        Baby won’t eat / unusually tired
        Needs urgent advice
      
        Blood on stool
        Can happen with fissures from hard stool, but still needs guidance
      
        Constipation doesn’t improve after a few days of changes
        May need medical help or stool softener advice

Foods that help (Lebanon-friendly)

Foods that help constipation (6+ months)

  
        Food
        Why it helps
        Easy way to serve
      
        Pears / prunes / peaches
        Fiber + natural sugars can soften stool
        Mash/purée, mix into yogurt/porridge
      
        Pumpkin / zucchini / cooked veg
        Adds fiber + hydration
        Cook until very soft, then mash/blend
      
        Lentils (adas) well-cooked
        Fiber-rich
        Cook very soft → blend smooth
      
        Beans/peas (as tolerated)
        More fiber
        Purée into soups or mash well

Foods that may worsen constipation (for some kids)

Foods to limit temporarily (if constipation is happening)

  
        Food
        Why
        Swap with
      
        Rice cereal (some babies)
        Can be binding for some
        Oat-based cereal, fruit/veg purées
      
        Lots of dry snacks (toddlers)
        Low water + low fiber
        Fruit + water + warm soups
      
        Too much cheese / low-fiber days
        Can worsen stool hardness
        Veg, legumes, fruits (pear/prune)