1. Nestlé Health Science
  2. health management
  3. food allergy
  4. milk allergy
  5. milk allergy symptoms
  6. CMPA symptom: Constipation
We believe breast milk is the best food for infants. When in consultation with their healthcare professional, mothers and families find that optimal breastfeeding is not possible due to their infant’s medical condition, formulas for special medical purposes play a vital role in providing essential nutrients to infants. We have a global commitment to market breast-milk substitutes responsibly.
This website is about the management of cow’s milk protein allergy and nutritional solutions intended for infants. By continuing on this website, you accept that Nestlé supplies the information at your own request.
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CMPA Navigation

Constipation

Baby suffering due to constipation

Constipation is a delay or difficulty in passing stools, present for two or more weeks.

It is a common problem in babies and young children and can start in the first year of life.

 

Every baby has his/her own stool pattern; it is very common for a baby to have occasional, hard stools and some breastfed babies may only have one bowel movement a week. There is usually no need to worry if your baby has constipation as there is rarely a medical cause responsible for it.

 

Babies have up to 3 bowel movements per day between 0 and 3 months.



Why does my baby have constipation?

In some babies, long-lasting constipation can be related to Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). Some babies may have a slow gut (which is also normal) so they will also not pass stools very often.



Could my baby have Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?

Constipation is a common symptom for babies with CMPA.

Babies with CMPA usually experience more than just one symptom and these symptoms can be very different from one another.

 

If you think that your baby has constipation, it could be CMPA.

You may have even noticed other symptoms (besides constipation), which may affect other parts of your baby’s body.

 

For a simple and easy way to check common symptoms associated with CMPA, you can use our symptom checker.


Other symptoms of Cow’s milk protein allergy

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding even when their babies have cow’s milk protein allergy. This usually requires qualified dietary counseling to completely exclude all sources of cow’s milk protein from the mothers’ diet. If a decision to use a special formula intended for infants is taken, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Unboiled water, unboiled bottles or incorrect dilution can make babies ill. Incorrect storage, handling, preparation and feeding can eventually lead to adverse effects on the health of babies. Formula for special medical purposes intended for infants must be used under medical supervision.

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