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Constipation is likely to occur in 15% of babies.1
Formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation, which may cause painful bowel movements and distress.
Constipation is a hard stool (poo) that is difficult or painful to pass. Babies vary in how many stools they pass each day, so infrequent bowel movements are not necessarily a sign of constipation. What’s more important is whether the stools have changed in consistency or have become less frequent than usual.
Constipation may cause stools to be larger than normal or to be hard like pebbles, causing babies pain or discomfort. Babies may also experience bloating and stomach pain.
Formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation. Constipation can occur:
In some rare cases, constipation is caused by a more serious underlying medical issue.
If you are concerned, it is important to see your doctor, child health nurse or pharmacist for further information.
There is no such thing as a normal baby stool. Bowel habits vary in babies, and even if some babies poo less frequently than other babies it doesn’t necessarily mean they are constipated. Stools of formula-fed babies are often firmer than in breastfed infants, and constipation is not often a problem for breastfed infants.
What’s more important is whether your baby’s bowel movements have changed in consistency or have become less frequent than is usual for them. Some signs of constipation are:
Crying and discomfort, irritability, or pain before or during a bowel movement
Loss of appetite
Dry, hard, pellet-like stools
A hard belly
Foul smelling wind
Constipation in babies is managed differently than in adults. For formula-fed infants, cooled boiled tap water may be given in moderation if additional fluids are needed.
Exclusively breastfed infants do not require additional fluids up to 6 months of age. A gentle tummy massage or a warm bath may also help.
If your baby’s constipation is causing them distress, it’s important to see your healthcare professional for advice.
It can sometimes seem hard to know what to do if your baby is constipated, but most of the time it’s due to them not getting enough fluid. You may try the following to help your baby:
Perform a gentle bicycling exercise with your baby’s legs
Try a gentle tummy massage
A warm bath can help your baby relax
If your baby is formula-fed, ensure the formula is prepared with the scoop that is provided in the pack and as per the instructions on the product. This helps ensure that the ratio of water to formula is correct.
Find answers to common questions about Novalac
and conditions that might impact your child’s feeding habits.
Yes, Novalac Constipation is designed to help manage various causes of infant constipation, including formula-related constipation and slower digestive transit, by supporting better gut motility.
No special feeding techniques or positions are needed. You can feed your baby as you normally would with other formulas.
It may have a slightly different taste due to its unique composition, but generally babies have accepted this formula milk.
We offer a dedicated support line to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about Novalac products.
is available from pharmacies nationwideIf you are able to breastfeed, breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastfeeding has many benefits, such as protecting your baby from infection while their immune system develops. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet in preparation for and during breastfeeding.
Infant formula is designed to replace breast milk when an infant is not breastfed. Combining breast and bottle feeding in your baby’s first weeks of life may reduce your supply of breast milk and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using infant formula should be considered when choosing a method of feeding.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing and using infant formula, including proper sterilisation of bottles and using boiled water. Improper use of an infant formula may make your baby ill.
We recommend that you consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional for advice about feeding your baby.
