Constipation in Babies

Holistic Support for Infant Digestion, Elimination, and Nervous System Function

Constipation is common in babies and young children, especially as their digestive system is still developing. When bowel movements are infrequent, hard, or uncomfortable, it’s often a sign that the gut and nervous system need additional support. A whole-body, gentle, and integrative approach can make a meaningful difference.

What Is Infant Constipation?

Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. For babies, this may look like:

  • Going several days without passing stool

  • Straining, crying, or appearing uncomfortable with elimination

  • Dry, pellet-like stools

  • Hard or large stools that cause discomfort

Constipation is defined not only by frequency but also by ease and comfort of elimination.

Why Do Babies Become Constipated?

1. A Developing Digestive System

Babies have immature digestive enzymes and more permeable intestinal linings. Their digestion is still developing. Foods that are cold, heavy, or not well-broken down can slow intestinal movement.

2. Nervous System Influence

The intestines depend on clear signaling from the nervous system for peristalsis (motility). Birth strain, spinal tension, or general overstimulation can interfere with these digestive reflexes.

3. Feeding Factors

Constipation may relate to:

  • Formula type or sensitivity

  • Reactions to ingredients in breastmilk

  • Introduction of solid foods

  • Low-fiber or overly processed foods (for older infants)

4. Microbiome Imbalance

A disrupted or immature microbiome can affect stool consistency and motility. Daily probiotic support as one of the key natural tools for improving chronic constipation.

5. Food Sensitivities

Dairy and gluten are among the most common contributors to slower motility in children. It is recommended beginning with a 3-week dairy-free and gluten-free trial for chronic constipation cases.

6. Hydration (when age-appropriate)

Low fluid intake or dehydrating foods may make stools harder and more difficult to pass.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Infant Elimination

The nervous system plays a direct role in how the colon and elimination pathways function. Gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments can help by:

  • Improving nerve communication to the intestines

  • Reducing spinal or abdominal tension that affects motility

  • Encouraging parasympathetic (“rest + digest”) activation

  • Supporting coordinated elimination reflexes

  • Promoting ease and comfort throughout the digestive system

Pediatric chiropractic uses extremely light pressure — often no more than the pressure used to test a ripe tomato — and is customized to the infant’s anatomy and developmental stage.

Natural Strategies to Support Constipation in Babies

Below are evidence-informed, safe, and gentle strategies. These can be adapted based on age, feeding method, and individual needs.

1. Optimize Feeding + Food Triggers

Remove the Most Common Offenders : for older infants or breastfeeding parents, consider exploring:

  • Dairy elimination (first-line suggestion for chronic constipation)

  • Gluten elimination

  • Watching for sensitivities to eggs, soy, or corn (case-by-case)

I usually recommend a 3-week trial without dairy and gluten to assess improvement.

For formula-fed babies:

  • Evaluate whether the formula might be contributing; consider exploring gentler alternatives.

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


For infants who have started solids:

  • Include warm, soft, well-cooked fruits and vegetables

  • Pears, prunes, peaches, and small amounts of certain purees

  • Avoid heavy, cold, or dense foods (Palevsky emphasizes this for weak digestive fire)

The goal is not just more bulk, but the right balance of fiber + hydration.

3. Gentle Abdominal Massage
Massage the belly in clockwise circles, following the natural path of the colon.
This can:

  • Stimulate peristalsis

  • Relieve gas

  • Ease abdominal tension

Abdominal massage is one of the most effective home supports for children’s constipation. I teach all the new parents in the practice gentle abdominal therapy techniques that can be used at home.

4. Probiotics + Microbiome Support


Probiotic considerations:

  • Choose infant-appropriate strains

  • Consistency is key

  • May support stool softness, motility, and gut balance

If breastfeeding, maternal probiotics can also influence baby’s gut.

5. Improve Nervous System Regulation

Digestive function depends on parasympathetic activation. Strategies include:

  • Skin-to-skin

  • Calming routines

  • Reducing overstimulation

  • Chiropractic adjustments

  • Warm baths

  • Soft rhythmic movement

When the nervous system is balanced, elimination typically improves.

6. Movement + Positioning

  • Bicycle legs

  • Tummy time (supervised)

  • Upright carrying after meals

These encourage natural reflexes that stimulate bowel movements.

7. Hydration (When Appropriate)

For babies on solids, adequate water intake supports stool softness. Breastmilk remains hydrating and supportive for younger infants.

When to Seek Evaluation

It’s helpful to get professional support if your baby:

  • Goes several days without stool

  • Appears uncomfortable during elimination

  • Has hard or pellet-like stools

  • Shows signs of gas, abdominal distension, or reflux

  • Has visible tension from birth (difficult latch, arching, stiffness)

  • Has blood in the stool (contact your pediatrician promptly)

My Approach

I blend chiropractic, abdominal therapy, functional digestion principles, and holistic care to support your baby’s elimination. This may include:

  • Nervous-system-focused chiropractic adjustments

  • Assessment of stress patterns affecting gut function

  • Feeding + formula guidance

  • Digestive support strategies

  • Age-appropriate dietary recommendations

  • Home care instruction for massage, positioning, and movement

The goal is to help your baby eliminate comfortably and regularly with gentle, natural support.

If Your Baby Is Struggling With Constipation

Constipation is uncomfortable for babies and stressful for parents — but it is highly responsive to holistic care.
If you would like support navigating this, I would be glad to help you explore solutions tailored to your baby’s needs.

Schedule an appointment with the book online button below or feel free to contact me at sura@drsura.com.