New parents do a lot of poop interrogation in the first few weeks of a baby’s life. We’ll carefully critique the contents of a nappy wondering if it’s the right colour and consistency, and whether bowel movements are frequent enough.
At one point or another we’ll probably all wonder if infant constipation is at play.
Formula fed babies are particularly prone to tummy upsets like constipation. Infant formula simply can’t perfectly simulate the powerful properties of breast milk – though it does come very close. When bouts of newborn constipation get excessive, many parents will try to hunt down a magical constipation formula that will ease digestive issues.
So does this magical formula for constipated babies exist? And is goat’s milk formula better for constipation? Let’s nut it out.
Is my baby constipated? The signs of infant constipation
Whether your baby is pooping after every feed, or only once every few days, as long as they’re happy and growing there’s no cause for concern.
Infrequent bowel movement alone isn’t a clear sign of infant constipation. You can only really identify newborn constipation when the poop itself is hard and dry, or like crumbly pellets
Sometimes this is a one-off thing, no big deal. But recurring infant constipation might come with uncomfortable symptoms like:
- Straining when pooping
- Fussiness or irritation
- Feeding less than usual
- A tear or crack around the anus, which may bleed.
What causes constipation in infants?
Formula fed babies could get constipation for a few reasons:
- The formula hasn’t been made up correctly – very carefully check that you’re following the instructions on the formula tin to a tee!
- They’ve changed formulas – constipation in infants is common when switching between brands, or even when moving up a stage.
- They need more fluids – in warm weather babies may need extra fluids to keep their bowels moving along.
- They’re starting solids – bowel movements (and poop consistency!) will change a lot once your formula-fed baby starts solids. Constipation might arise as your little one’s digestive system learns to process new foods. A lack of fibre in their diet could also contribute. (Hot tip! Apples, pears and prunes are go-to foods for baby constipation relief.)
- There’s an underlying health condition – in rare cases there could be a genetic condition or illness causing infant constipation. See your GP if you’re concerned.
What to do about infant constipation
If regular bouts of constipation are causing you anxiety and upsetting your baby, there are a few things you can do about it.
Get professional advice
It’s a good idea to first get advice from your paediatrician or maternal child health nurse about how to relieve constipation in your child naturally. They may suggest methods to give your baby constipation relief, such as:
- Offering extra drinks
- A gentle tummy massage
- A warm bath to relax muscles.
They could also suggest changes to their formula, or in some cases special medications.
Switch to a baby formula for constipation
You’ll find that a lot of brands offer a formula for colic and constipation. These are generally hydrolysed cow’s milk formula, meaning the proteins have been broken down to make them easier to digest.
You could also try relieving your baby’s constipation with goat’s milk formula, which contains naturally smaller protein and fat particles to promote easier digestion. Some parents find that this is the best formula for constipation relief!
A few things to note if you’re considering switching to a more friendly baby formula for constipation:
- Switching formulas shouldn’t be done lightly! Chopping and changing formulas every few days will likely do more damage than good. It’s best to do this with guidance from a health professional, and give the constipation formula a few weeks to take effect.
- Always be sure to carefully follow the formula transition guide, and read the new tin’s instructions carefully as it may be different from the old formula.
Give medications (in extreme cases only)
If your infant’s constipation is quite severe and is impacting their daily life, your healthcare practitioner may advise giving safe baby laxatives.
What is the best formula for constipation in Australia?
Unfortunately, there is no “best” formula for constipation. In Australia, you’ll find that due to our strict regulations every type of infant formula available is nutritionally complete and safe for most babies. Brands that market a baby formula for constipation are really only offering a more easily digestible variation of their standard formula blend.
The best formula for constipation for your baby will come down to their unique needs.
For some babies, this will be (partially or extensively) hydrolysed cow’s milk.
For some babies it will be a natural easy-digest goat’s milk formula.
For some babies it will be an A2 formula.
For some babies it will be a specialised formula for colic and constipation.
For some babies (e.g. those with cow’s milk protein allergy) it will be a plant-based formula.
When it comes to formula for constipated babies, you’ve got to go with your paediatrician’s advice, and your own trial and error. See what your little one tolerates well.
Is goat milk formula better for constipation?
In short: yes. Goat’s milk formula is naturally easier to digest than cow’s milk formula and may help to give your baby constipation relief.
Many parents find that Oli6 infant formula helps to ease tummy troubles. Just check out the hundreds of positive testimonials on Product Review!
Here’s a recent one from Mia:
“Great formula, has seriously helped my baby’s long term constipation. We’ve literally been on laxatives, all the tips and tricks, 6 different formulas (including other goat milk brands) and this is the only one that has worked!!! So thankyou Oli6!”
So why is goat’s milk formula better for constipation?
- It has smaller protein and fat particles than cow’s milk, resulting in smaller curds and softer stools.
- It contains more HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), which are natural prebiotics found in human breast milk.
- It’s naturally A2, so your baby’s tummy won’t get aggravated by the harsher A1 beta casein protein found in most cow’s milk formulas.
Studies have also confirmed that constipated babies previously taking cow’s milk formula saw improvement in stool characteristics and less crying after switching to goat’s milk
formula.
Interested in trying Oli6? ‘Constipation formula’ might not be in the product name, but many parents turn to Oli6 Goat Milk Formula to relieve digestive issues like constipation, with great results!
Find Oli6 Goat Milk Formula in Coles, Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse, or shop online. We’d love to know if it provides your baby with constipation relief.
