Sometimes, people can use prune juice as a natural remedy for baby constipation, but they should use it cautiously and under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Many babies experience occasional changes in bowel habits or mild constipation, especially during transitions in their diet.

However, parents and caregivers should pay attention to their baby’s bowel habits and watch for common signs of constipation. These include hard, dry stools, infrequent bowel movements, and straining while passing stools.

Including prunes in a baby’s diet may help prevent or treat constipation. This article discusses how to include prune juice in a baby’s diet.

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Many people use prune juice as a natural remedy for baby constipation. Prunes and prune juice are high in dietary fiber and contain natural sugars that can help soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. The sorbitol in prunes and prune juice also acts as a natural laxative.

Learn more about how prune juice can relieve constipation.

The amount of prune juice a person should give their baby for constipation varies depending on their age and a pediatrician’s advice. The general rules of thumb are as follows:

Newborns

According to a 2017 article, doctors do not recommend prune juice for newborns. Breast milk or formula is the primary source of nutrition for infants of this age, and introducing new foods or liquids is unnecessary.

Infants

The article also states that parents or caregivers should not give fruit juice to infants under 1 year unless a doctor recommends it.

A pediatrician may suggest introducing small amounts of prune juice to infants who have started solids.

Toddlers

Toddlers ages 1 year or older can have prune juice but do not require more than 4 ounces (118 ml) of undiluted juice per day.

People can consult a pediatrician for specific recommendations.

Read about signs of constipation in babies.

People can buy prune juice in the following places:

  • grocery stores
  • health food stores
  • online retailers
  • pharmacies
  • warehouse clubs

Many types of prune juice are available to purchase, including regular, organic, or no-sugar-added prune juice.

Learn more about prune juice.

Always consult a healthcare professional before using use over-the-counter laxatives or medications, especially for infants.

The following treatments may help babies with constipation:

  • Bicycle leg movements: Helping a baby to do bicycle leg movements can encourage the passage of gas and stool.
  • Fluid intake: Ensure the baby is adequately hydrated by offering breast milk or formula. Once the baby is 6 months or older, they can also drink water.
  • Tummy massage: People can gently massage their baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction to help stimulate bowel movements.

Read about the best home remedies for baby constipation.

Ways to prevent a baby from becoming constipated include:

  • Breastfeeding or formula: Continue to provide breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition.
  • Establish a routine: Try having regular meal times to encourage bowel regularity.
  • Increase fiber: Gradually introduce fiber-rich foods, such as pureed prunes, plums, pears, peaches, peas, and other vegetables, into the baby’s diet as they transition to solid foods.
  • Toilet training: Ensure children have access to and are comfortable using the toilet during potty training.

Learn more about potty training and constipation.

The outlook for babies with constipation is generally good, and constipation in infants and young children is typically temporary and treatable. With proper management and, if necessary, medical guidance, constipation in babies will resolve, and usual bowel habits return.

If a baby’s constipation persists or worsens despite home remedies, consult a pediatrician for evaluation and recommendations. The pediatrician may suggest prescription medications or other treatments.

Learn about medication for constipation in children.

Prune juice may help prevent and treat constipation in babies by softening the stool. However, some experts do not recommend fruit juice for babies under 1 year. Sometimes, pediatricians may recommend prune juice in small amounts for younger infants.

Parents and caregivers can offer small amounts of prune juice or pureed prunes to children over 1 year. Other constipation remedies include massage and increasing water intake for babies ages 6 months and older.

Babies should have a regular eating schedule and plenty of fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation.