L.H. asks from Lewisville, TX on April 17, 2010
4 Month Old Constipated - Lewisville,TX
My 4 month old daughter has been constipated for about 6 weeks now. I haven't changed anything. She has been strictly formula fed on enfamil gentlease since about 2 mos old. Her pediatrician has suggested caro syrup, apple juice and milk of magnesia. Milk of magnesia helps, but gives her diarrhea even in small doses. I have been inserting a rectal thermometer for about a week or so now to induce her bowel movement. Just started her on good start formula today, but my main question is should I continue inserting the thermometer or does her body get used to going that way? She even needs it to help her poop diarhea. Even since she was first born, her bowel movements and gas seem to be somewhat explosive. She usually gets to a point where she is so uncomfortable straining and crying that I use the thermometer. After calling so many times, tge dr's office finally referred me to a specialist yesterday in Dallas. Thought I'd ask you wonderful mothers out there for any advice or if you've had experience with this just being a "normal" baby thing for your baby that they grow out of it. Anyhow, is that normal for an infant to cry when pooping? My older daughter didn't but she was breastfed and had much softer poop. TIA!!
So What Happened?™
Thanks so much for all the suggestions!! I finally switched formula's to good start, the green can. I also give her a bottle a day of a mix of apple, prune juice and water. This has done the trick for us. Bowel mvmts are now daily and no more rectal thermometers or q-tips. Also, no specialist as she is now regular. Yay! Oh, and I had gone to the health food store where they suggested flax oil. I bought it and called her dr to check if it was ok. She said no flaxseed until they are 2 yrs old. Thanks again for all your help!!
Featured Answers
J.O. answers from Dallas on April 20, 2010
My son had problems with constipation and I used to give him pear juice. It seemed to work well for him.
More Answers
J.G. answers from San Antonio on April 17, 2010
My son had consitpation issue around this age as well. I was told Karo syrup too. But then when I spoke with dr, he says that Karo works well because it has PECTIN in it. He said other fruits have pectin naturally, such as pear, prunes, and plums. (the Ps). So I started making mashed pear, or bought it at the store. Finally started working. I added pear/apple/strawberry babyfood to his diet. I hope this helps. Perhaps not, I just remembered you have a 4 month old. Good luck. I Hope the specialist helps!
B.R. answers from Salt Lake City on April 17, 2010
When my son was having issues I would give him some prune juice. I know she's young but I was doing it at the same age, and it was almost instant for me! It helped a lot!
J.O. answers from Dallas on April 20, 2010
My son had problems with constipation and I used to give him pear juice. It seemed to work well for him.
P.L. answers from Dallas on April 19, 2010
Gala K has great input, many babies/people have delayed allergies to cow dairy, the result of which is gas/constipation/diarrhea along with severe cramping. Remove all cow dairy from your baby's diet and she should recover, if not, then you should have your baby tested for all food allergies, there could be other factors involved. Soy milk is not your only choice, many are also allergic to soy, alernatives are goat milk (sold in a can in the evaporated milk section of most grocery stores, mix 50/50 w/water to get whole milk), also rice milk and/or almond milk are good alternatives. Good luck.
M.C. answers from Dallas on April 21, 2010
Glycerin suppositories for infants cut in 4 pieces lengthwise. Add more water to her diet.
L.M. answers from Providence on April 17, 2010
I was also told that constant thermometer use was not a good idea.Best of luck to you and baby
S.P. answers from Los Angeles on April 17, 2010
Ask about using MIRALAX. My daughter gets constipated very easily and has since about 4 months (now almost 9). When juice didn't help my doctor told me to use a 1/4 of a dose of MIRALAX. You can buy it anywhere, and I just mix it right into her food (you can put it in a bottle too but she doesn't take one). I have never had a problem with it causing diarhea, and you can adjust the does accordingly. It has absolutely no side effects, and can be used every day for the rest of her life if she needs it.
Also the iron intake is a good thing to look at. Most cereals now include iron so if you are giving her formula and these cereals that probably isn't helping her.
G.K. answers from Kansas City on April 17, 2010
Hi,
Both of my kids (twins) were constipated from very early age and on Miralax till recently (5.5 years old) I stopped giving them cow milk and switched to soy milk. No doctor told me about it till I recearched and found this information online. The kids doing fine now and no Miralax needed.
Try switching her formula to one that doesn't have cow milk but rather soy.
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