A Holistic Approach to Constipation in Babies: Understanding Digestion, the Nervous System, and Natural Support

By Dr. Sura Corrigan, Far Hills Family Chiropractic — Far Hills, NJ

Constipation is one of the most common digestive concerns parents have about their babies. When bowel movements are infrequent, difficult, or uncomfortable, it can affect feeding, sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. The good news is that constipation is highly responsive to gentle, holistic care that supports both the digestive system and the nervous system.

In this guide, I’ll share the most important factors to consider along with natural tools and the role of chiropractic care for infant elimination.

What does constipation Looks Like in Babies? Constipation can show up in different ways, including:

-Fewer than three bowel movements per week

-Hard, dry, or pellet-like stools

-Straining or crying with elimination

-Abdominal tension or distension

-Discomfort before or during bowel movements

Constipation is not defined only by frequency — comfort and ease of elimination are equally important.

Why Babies Become Constipated

1. Immature Digestion

Infants are born with a developing digestive system: lower levels of digestive enzymes, more permeable intestinal linings, and a “weaker digestive fire.” Foods that are cold, heavy, or overly complex can slow motility.

2. Nervous System Involvement

The nerves that regulate peristalsis originate in the spine. When these pathways are under stress — from birth, tension patterns, or overstimulation — elimination can become less coordinated.

3. Feeding and Food Sensitivities

Constipation can be affected by:

-Formula composition

-Breastmilk sensitivities (dairy, gluten, soy, eggs)

-Introduction of solids

-Low-fiber foods for older babies

I usually recommend starting with a 3-week dairy-free and gluten-free trial for chronic constipation.

4. Microbiome Imbalance

A healthy gut microbiome supports soft stools and regular elimination. Probiotics and prebiotics can help balance digestion.

5. Hydration + Warmth

Warmth supports digestion. Cold foods or inadequate fluid intake (once solids begin) can harden stools.

Natural Ways to Support Constipation in Babies

1. Remove Common Food Triggers

For breastfeeding parents or older infants starting solids, consider trialing the removal of:

Dairy

Gluten

Eggs, soy, corn (case by case)

A 3-week test period is usually recommended.

2. Add the Right Foods + Fiber (When Age-Appropriate)

Once solids begin, supportive foods include:

Warm, soft, well-cooked vegetables

Pears, prunes, peaches

Small amounts of fiber-rich purees

Warm broths and stews

Avoid:

Cold foods

Raw foods

Heavy or processed foods

3. Probiotics + Prebiotics

Daily probiotic support may help regulate stool consistency and motility.

For breastfeeding families, maternal probiotics are also beneficial.

4. Abdominal Massage + Stress Reduction

Gentle abdominal massage (clockwise) helps stimulate motility.

A calm environment supports the baby’s parasympathetic nervous system — the system responsible for “rest and digest.”

5. Movement and Positioning

Bicycle legs

Gentle tummy time

Upright carrying after feeding

These movements activate the body’s natural elimination reflexes.

6. Hydration (For Babies on Solids)

Small amounts of water, breastmilk, or water-rich foods support stool softness.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Infant Elimination

The colon and digestive organs receive nerve supply from areas of the spine that can be affected by birth, tension, or positioning. Gentle pediatric chiropractic care helps by:

• Supporting optimal nerve communication to the intestines

• Reducing tension in the spine, pelvis, and abdomen

• Encouraging parasympathetic calming (essential for digestion)

• Improving overall coordination of the elimination reflex

Infant adjustments are extremely gentle — often no more pressure than a light touch on the eyelid.

When the nervous system is functioning well, digestion and elimination often become more regular and comfortable.

When to Seek Help - Consider a professional evaluation if your baby:

• Goes several days without stool

• Shows discomfort with elimination

• Has very hard or large stools

• Exhibits abdominal distension

• Had a difficult or stressful birth

• Shows signs of food sensitivity

Holistic support can be extremely effective in these cases.

Supporting Your Baby’s Digestive System Naturally

Constipation is uncomfortable, but infants respond very well to gentle, nervous-system-based care and supportive digestive strategies. If you’d like help understanding what’s contributing to your baby’s constipation or want guidance tailored to your child, I’d be happy to support you.

Schedule an infant consultation here by clicking the book online button below or feel free to email me at sura@drsura.com.