At what age and how to give plums to baby?

Plums (fresh or dried) are one of the most commonly recommended natural choices for constipation. Because of their sorbitol and fiber content, they soften and stimulate bowel movements, making them suitable for constipation and potentially causing diarrhea — so the effect you want is already what they do.

To start giving plums to your baby, the generally accepted age is 6 months and later, with the introduction of solids. When you give it for the first time, pay attention to these points:

• Starting out: 1-2 teaspoons of homemade plum puree (you can cook dried plums and make puree with their water). Fresh plums work too, but dried plums are more concentrated in fiber and sorbitol.
• Frequency: Give no more than once a day — overdoing it can overstimulate the bowels and cause diarrhea.
• Expected effect: You'll usually see soft stools within 4-12 hours. If there's no effect within 24 hours, you can slightly increase the dose but don't exceed 2 tablespoons a day.
• When to stop: Once stools return to normal, take a break; use plums as a constipation solution, not part of daily routine. Continuous use can make the bowel lazy about its own work.

Since plums raise blood sugar quickly in babies, it's important not to overdo it. If constipation lasts more than 2 weeks or your baby seems uncomfortable, has vomiting, or abdominal bloating, consult your pediatrician.

Summary: Good and effective for constipation in 6+ month babies; start with small amounts, stop when improved.