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For Babies Prone to Constipation | 1-Day Baby Food Menu and Tips for Regulation (Approx. 9 Months)

まり｜管理栄養士ライター


When a baby becomes prone to constipation,
many parents worry, "What kind of food should I serve?"

For constipation relief, not only the ingredients but also the balance of the meal is important.

In this article, a registered dietitian explains a recommended 1-day baby food menu for babies prone to constipation and key points for their meals.

*This article is explained by an author who holds a registered dietitian qualification, based on knowledge of nutritional science.

Causes of constipation in babies

  • Changes in diet due to starting baby food

Because the diet shifts from being centered on liquids like breast milk or formula to solid foods, stools tend to become harder.

  • Lack of dietary fiber

There are two types of dietary fiber: water-soluble (which works to soften stools) and insoluble (which works to increase stool bulk). A deficiency in either can potentially cause constipation.

  • Lack of hydration

As baby food intake increases, the amount of nursing naturally decreases, which can lead to insufficient fluid intake and result in constipation.

  • Changes in daily rhythm

Babies are sensitive to changes in their life and environment. Stress can sometimes cause constipation.

Meal tips for babies prone to constipation

For constipation relief, it is important to have meals that focus on three things: dietary fiber, hydration, and intestinal environment.
Let's look at each point in detail.

1. Incorporate ingredients rich in dietary fiber

Recommended ingredients

  • Sweet potato

→ Rich in dietary fiber, sweet, and easy to incorporate into baby food

  • Pumpkin

→ Rich in dietary fiber and moisture

  • Oatmeal

→ Contains a good balance of both water-soluble and insoluble fiber

  • Banana

→ Contains water-soluble dietary fiber and is easy for babies to eat

② Hydration


Make it a habit to offer barley tea or boiled water at every meal, and incorporate soups into your menu.

③ Utilizing Fermented Foods


Fermented foods like yogurt and natto can help regulate the intestinal environment and may be useful for improving constipation.

④ Incorporating Small Amounts of Oil


Oils help make stools easier to pass. Try incorporating them into your cooking using butter, olive oil, etc.

Recommended 1-Day Baby Food Menu for Babies Prone to Constipation


※ This menu is intended for babies around 9 months old (late stage of weaning).

Breakfast

Oatmeal Porridge + Banana Yogurt + Barley Tea

【Ingredients (Approximate Amounts)】
<Oatmeal Porridge>
・Oatmeal: 6 tsp
・Water or infant formula: 5 tbsp
<Banana Yogurt>
・Banana: 2–3 cm
・Yogurt: 2 tbsp

【Instructions】
<Oatmeal Porridge>
① Place oatmeal and water in a heat-resistant dish
② Heat in the microwave at 600W for 50 seconds

【Points】
A menu that supplements dietary fiber with oatmeal and banana, and regulates the intestinal environment with yogurt.

Lunch

5x Porridge (Soft Rice) + Chicken Nikujaga + Miso Soup

【Ingredients (Approximate Amounts)】
・5x Porridge: 80g

<Baby Nikujaga>
・Ground chicken: 1 tbsp
・Potato: 1 tbsp
・Carrot: 2 tsp
・Onion: 1 tsp
・Dashi stock: 20 ml

<Miso Soup>
・Vegetables of your choice (e.g., cabbage): 1 tsp
・Dashi stock: As needed
・Miso: About the size of 1/2 an adzuki bean

【Instructions】
① Boil the vegetables used for the nikujaga and miso soup until soft
② Finely chop the vegetables
③ For the nikujaga, add the meat and chopped vegetables to the dashi stock and simmer until the meat is cooked through
For the miso soup, add the chopped vegetables to the dashi stock and dissolve the miso

【Points】
A menu that provides dietary fiber through potatoes and vegetables, and supplements hydration with miso soup.

Dinner


Sweet Potato Porridge + Tofu with Vegetable Sauce + Apple + Barley Tea

【Ingredients (Approximate Amounts)】
<Sweet Potato Porridge>
・Full porridge: 80g
・Sweet potato: 1 tbsp

<Tofu with Vegetable Sauce>
・Tofu: 40g
・Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach): 2 tsp
・Carrot: 2 tsp
・Dashi stock: As needed
・Water-dissolved potato starch: As needed

・Apple: 2 tbsp

【Instructions】
<Sweet Potato Porridge>
① Boil the sweet potato until soft and mash it
② Mix into the porridge

<Tofu with Vegetable Sauce>
① Boil the vegetables until soft
② Finely chop the boiled vegetables and tofu
③ Add the vegetables and tofu to the dashi stock and simmer
④ Thicken with water-dissolved potato starch

<Apple>
① Cut the apple into easy-to-eat pieces (about 5mm in size)
② Heat in the microwave for 30–40 seconds

【Points】
Supplements dietary fiber with sweet potato, vegetables, and apple. Apples also have properties that help regulate the intestinal environment.

What to Do If Your Baby's Constipation Does Not Improve with Diet


If symptoms do not improve even after dietary improvements and hydration, you can try:

・Massaging the abdomen in a "no" (Japanese character) shape
・Cotton swab enema

However, be careful not to stimulate too strongly with a cotton swab enema, and consult a doctor if you are worried.
If symptoms persist or if there are concerning symptoms such as the baby appearing to be in significant pain during bowel movements, please visit your primary care physician.


Summary


When dealing with baby constipation,
it is important to focus on meals that include "dietary fiber, hydration, and gut health."

Please try incorporating the 1-day menu introduced here as a base, within a range that is comfortable for you.

*It is convenient to save this so you can refer back to it immediately when you are unsure.


Author
Registered Dietitian Mari
Engaged in nutritional management work at facilities for the elderly. Utilizing practical experience in menu creation and nutritional balance design, she writes accurate and easy-to-understand articles based on evidence. She values breaking down technical terms and conveying information in a way that is easy for readers to put into practice.



Related Articles

For those who want to know more about baby constipation countermeasures, including meals and guidelines for visiting a doctor, please refer to these as well.


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