Nutrition and Constipation in the First Twelve Months

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Age of child: Birth–6 months

Foods to offer

• Breast milk or infant formula

Foods to Avoid?

• Do not switch to a low-iron formula; ask your doctor or dietitian before making any formula changes

Age of child: 6–8 months

Foods to Offer

• Continue breast milk or infant formula
• Can start sips of water from a cup; this does not replace breast milk or infant formula
• 0.5 – 1 ounce of undiluted prune, pear, or apple juice
• High-fiber strained fruits and vegetables: apricots, prunes, peaches, plums, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots

Foods to Avoid

• Do not give cereal in a bottle unless directed by healthcare provider
• Avoid large quantities of low-fiber cereal (rice)

Age of child: 8–12 months

Foods to Offer

• Continue breast milk or infant formula
• Can offer 1–2 ounces undiluted prune, pear, or apple juice
• Add mashed foods, such as cooked beans; offer high-fiber solids 3 times per day
• Add finger foods to diet: whole wheat toast, crackers; cooked whole wheat noodles, cooked brown rice; soft, peeled fruit slices (apricots, pears); solid foods that dissolve easily, such as dry cereal containing oats
• After 10 months, add finely diced table foods to diet

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid large quantities of: low-fiber grains (white rice, white bread, white pasta, puffs)
• Fruit juices
• Do not start dairy milk until the child is 1 year old