Do Gas Drops and Colic Tablets Cause Constipation in Infants?

I doubt either of these could cause constipation. We've used both and never had any problems. And it probably wasn't constipation at all anyway. It's not only normal for exclusively breastfed babies do go days without a BM, it's also normal for them to go up to 2 weeks without one. I know, sounds horrible, but it's true. And who knows why he was cranky. They are such sweet little mysteries at this young age. He could be teething early. Could have just been a little uncomfortable. Who knows! I also had a very gassy baby and the good news is that it's a phase and eventually the gas problem goes away. Kudos to you on what sounds like a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Best wishes!

There is always an exception to the rule, however, in most infants it enhances the BM to move on thru, providing relief.

We always use Mylicon Gas Drops. No they do not cause constipation and you do not have to worry about using them too often. Can be given every time before feeding and at night before bed. We've never used colic tablets so I wouldn't know about that. Good luck!

Hi B.,

My son was a totally breast fed baby also, and around 2 1/2 to 3 mths, He went down to 1 BM every 5 to 7 days. I of course freaked out and started looking online about infant constipation and I also called his ped. I was told that this was completely normal and as long as the BM he did have was not extremely firm, that everything was fine and he was not constipated. My ped. told me that I was one of the lucky moms and to enjoy it while it lasted. Once you put him on baby food the once a week BM's should become once a day. I hope this helps.

D.

I had alot of problems with our son's BM's - he ended up at a gastro-intestinal doc because of Dyschezia and reflux. The gi doc suggested that some babies (even breastfed) will go 1 time a week! I was quite suprised! He gave me advice on using 1/4 of a Fleet BabyLax liquid (liquid glycerin - all natural) each 2-3 days in order to help my son learn how to use his muscles right... he was born a little early and that had some to do with it.

I think you're on the right track... us mommies worry so much about poop schedules, as long as he's comfortable, and you don't see really dry poops, I'd just see what kind of routine he makes for himself. I do suggest consulting your ped or a pediatric GI before you change anything in his diet (adding any juice/water/etc) just to see what they suggest.

Good luck!!

If you are totally breastfeeding and your child's tummy is upset then you need to look at what YOU are eating. What you eat affects your child's stomach. For example, when I was pregnant with my second child I ended up having gestational diabetes. I couldn't eat much junk food at all. So when I had my child and I was in the clear to eat what I wanted I grabbed a bag of oreos and just chowed down. You should have seen my child's face! It looked like a teenager on chocolate, her face was broke out something aweful. I stopped the chocolate and her face cleared up quickly. My youngest had food allergies but I didn't know it at the time I was breastfeeding him. He vomited all the time. Come to find out two years later (poor guy), he was allergic to egg and peanut. Therefore, everytime I ate either it came through the milk and he reacted.
So be careful with what you eat. Keep a log of what you eat and how Bax reacts. You will soon find out what his little body doesn't like at such a tiny age. It won't mean he's allergic to the food. He may just be sensitive at the moment.

My daughter was breastfed, and she wouldgo up to two weeks without a BM. Its normal for breastfed babies because they are more likely to use most of the nutrients in your milk, and therefor do not need to eliminate as often. This evens out after they start solids.

As the other moms stated, it isn't unusual for breastfeed babies to go quite a while without a BM. My daughter did the same thing and it freaked me out! My MD told me it isn't true constipation unless the poop is very hard and little balls when she finally does go. Hers were never like that, so he said that was just what her body needed. Good luck!

One tip is to write down what you eat for a couple days and watch for him to get gas and make sure you don't eat these foods. Usually what gives you gas is worse for baby. Has for the drops I never used them with my children, but I did with my grandson and they seem to help. As for the constipation, try pear juice it will help.

My daughter, who is almost 3 now, was on a LOT of gas drops, gripe water, etc.... and she never had issues with constipation. So, it might not be related.

M.

B.
Hello! I had a problem with my second child around 3 months also. My best friend told me about gripe water. I know it sounds weird but gripe water really really works. It helps colic and gas issues and is totally natual. I brought mine at the natutal foods store but I think I have also saw it at Walgreens. It is around 12 dollars but so very very worth it. After you open it you need to keep it cold and it is okay to put it in their bottle and warm it. It only last around 6 weeks but you want need it that long. It also will help him go to the bathroom and not cause problems like running stool or hard stool.

Good luck!
B.
Married, fulltime working mom of two, 4 year old boy and 5 month old girl (my husband and kids are so much joy)