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
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
The Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Nurses
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Foundation
The NASPGHAN Council For Pediatric Nutrition Professionals
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