Ok ladies, I really need your wise advise, please help me!!!!
My baby just started on solids, and is terribly constipated. He was breastfed from birth, and when I returned to work I continued to pump, but we occasionally had to supplement with formula. He was fine, so I know the formula is not the problem. We started him on bananas, then we gave him pears, then green beans and then carrots.These were all a few days apart, so he has been eating for about 3 weeks now. he became constipated after the green beans, then we gave him carrots, and he's still constipated, then we tried peaches, he's still struggling to go. I know it's normal to struggle when they are first on solids, but he is to the point where he cries when he poos, and there was a little blood last night. I hate to see him suffering, and don't know what to do. I bought him prunes gerber, and i'm going to try that, but I'm really considering going back to just breastmilk because maybe his tummy is not ready for solids yet. What do you guys think?
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By nature of the foods you're giving him (all high fiber), I'd not jump to the conclusion just yet that it's the food causing the constipation - unless your pediatrician tells you otherwise. There are MANY reasons for kids getting constipated, and it's hard to know what triggers it.
I'd recommend calling your pediatrician just to see what they advise because of his age. In the case of both of our kids, the recommendation was to add high-fiber foods and lots of juices (because of the fiber content). Laxatives, suppositories, anal stimulation are generally not advisable.
His stomach is ready for solids based upon his age. Here's what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/cond...
I don't know if the constipation is b/c of the foods. Drs say 6 mos is fine for the transition, so you aren't too early. Since you have started, maybe just don't give as much each day - and up the breastmilk. Being very hydrated helps the body process. Also, a bit of prunes (Gerber) does wonders - naturally and comfortably. I he doens't like the taste, you can mix with applesauce or even sweet potatoes... Good luck.
Can he have juice? Dilute with water. Pear juice always worked like a charm for my son--or white grape. Not apple.
I found when my daughter gets constipated (then and now) I have her sit in a warm bath. It helps relax her and move things along! Don't stress out about it too much, it happens sometimes!
I always played with the fruits that I gave mine, alternating between constipating fruits and fruits that can cause diarrhea. The biggest that I remember for constipating are bananas and apples. The ones that help them go poop are peaches, pears, plums, and prunes. Obviously there are lots more, but those are easy to remember. I always remember the P fruits are for pooping. :) Gross, I know, but easier to remember. So I would switch between them. I bet once you do the prunes you will see results. I could only do a half a jar of prunes at a time for mine, or we'd be having major blowouts. I used this article to help me out: http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/feeding-a-baby-... and the whole website is great, you should check it out. Are you doing cereal as well as the fruits and veggies? Cereal will constipate them also. I also gave a little water at each mealtime. And the hot bath idea helped me also, for both gas and constipation. It relaxes their muscles. It couldn't hurt to go back to more breastmilk and less food, but I don't think it will be necessary once you do the prunes. They are scary stuff. :) And my son wouldn't have been happy going back once he ate solids.
Hi there,
from my experience it is vital that you offer water to him during the meal and after. A lot of parents think quick sip of water at some stage after eating is enough, but water is essential to keep everything flowing.
Hope this helps, water, water, water
Cheers L.
