Q: My 6-month-old is constipated and has hard stools after starting solids. What can I do?

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Question: Good morning. My daughter is 6 months old and was exclusively breastfed. I recently started giving her cereal/porridge mixed with formula milk. Since starting this new diet, I've noticed she only has a bowel movement every 3 to 4 days, and her stool is very hard. She sometimes cries when she is pooping. What can I do to help her?

Answer: Hello! You’re doing a great job taking care of your baby. 😊 Since your 6-month-old daughter started taking pap (corn porridge) with My Boy milk, she’s now experiencing hard stools and constipation. This is common when babies transition from exclusive breastfeeding to solid foods.

Why Is This Happening? Breastmilk is easy to digest and keeps stools soft. Pap (corn porridge) is low in fiber, which can cause constipation. Formula (My Boy milk) can sometimes be harder to digest.

How to Help Her Poop Easily ✅ Give More Water – Now that she’s eating solids, offer a few sips of water (30–50 ml) throughout the day, especially after meals.

✅ Add High-Fiber Foods – Mix pap with mashed banana, pear, apple, or avocado instead of just formula. These help soften stools.

✅ Tummy Massage – Gently rub her tummy in a circular motion and move her legs in a bicycle motion to relieve discomfort.

✅ Offer More Breastfeeding – Continue breastfeeding as much as possible to keep her hydrated and help digestion. 🚫 Avoid:

Too much pap alone—it’s low in fiber. Processed or starchy foods like yam or potatoes without fiber-rich foods.

When to See a Doctor If her constipation continues for more than a week, if she bleeds while passing stool, or if she refuses to eat, see a doctor. You're doing great! Just make small diet changes, and she should feel better soon. 😊

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us