My 3 Month Old Worries Me...

Updated on September 03, 2007
S.F. asks from Bellefontaine, OH
9 answers

I have a 3 month old son and he is WONDERFUL. And I'm not just saying that because I'm bias and he's my son, he like NEVER CRIES - to the point of which it scares me sometimes. Since he's been born, I've probably only heard him cry maybe 5 times. His 20 month old sister has even walked up to him and accidentally hit him in the head with a toy and nothing. When he's hungry... he just kinda grunts and doesn't cry. My concern is - how do I know when he's ill? I feel like I take him temp. 5 times a day because I feel like if he has a fever, he won't respond to it to let me know he doesn't feel well. The current issue is that he has this VERY hard belly - and I mean SOLID. He has BM's @ his daycare usually once a day, but when I pick him up, he NEVER goes #2 for me. Just curious if it's something I should worry about - maybe he's backed up? Any suggestions on how to soften it up w/o giving the kid massive diahrea?? I just don't want it to be something serious and I overlook it just because he shows no signs of pain and discomfort. Thanks!

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

If his belly is really hard, and not just he's pushing it out when you try to feel it, you should probably see a doctor. If he is impacted, they can give you the best advice on how to take care of it. You may mention as well the no crying thing, especially when he was hit in the head. It is probably nothing, but it is most definately worth mentioning.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Talk to your pediatrician. He or she can examine him and either make suggestions or calm your worries.

Also, what is he eating? Formula or breastmilk? When my baby was taking breastmilk, he only had a bowel movement every 3-4 days. Once we switched over to formula, he has a bowel movement once a day and usually right around the same time.

What are the stools like? Are they tiny, hard, dry pebbles? If so, that could be a sign of constipation. Is it a thick pasty mass? If so, that's not normally constipation.

Please do not give your child anything to 'soften it up' until you speak with your pediatrician. In the beginning I bet your baby had a few bowel movements per day, but now that he is older it is normal to only have one.

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N.K.

answers from Toledo on

I would take him in to see the pediatrician. Tell them exactly what you told us about the crying. There are a few reasons that this could be happening one of which could be the best which is that you are just lucky! However it's better safe then sorry to talk to he/she about it and at least get some info. The reason I say this is because it could (though it's unlikely) be an absence to the sense of pain... to my knowledge this is rare and I'm not sure how early they can actually diagnosis this but it's worth looking into. Like I said it's not very common so you shouldn't worry but it's better to be safe then sorry right?
As for the hard stomach I have cared for quite a few infants that had exactly as you described. If he is still having BMs then it's prob really bad gas. I would recommedn Mylicon drops, they work great and should soften his stomach quite a bit.
Hope this helps!

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M.S.

answers from Columbus on

I don't know much about the hard stomach...I think you should call your Pedi on that one. As for the not crying....I can tell you that my daughter was the same way. I too thought something could be wrong, but i was just really lucky. In fact, she never made a peep. I had to check her diaper all the time because she would sit in poop and pee and it would not bother her at all. She was also always an awesome sleeper (she has slept 12 hours straight since she was 3 months old). Now that she is older (17 months) she is still a very laid back child. The downside is, like you said, not knowing when something is wrong, like illness. My daughter has had ear infections, that I didnt even know she had until she went into the Dr. for a check up (she wouldn't get a fever, wouldnt act sick, still ate good, etc.) I dont think you have to take his temp. everyday. Just maybe look for other signs, such as: not eating or drinking much, sleeping more, and feeling warm to the touch. I am sure if he is really sick, you will know. My daughter's first illness came during her fourth month or so and the only reason I knew she was sick is because she was sleeping more (taking a 3 hour nap versus a 1-1 1/2 hour nap) and she had loose stools. Like I said, it's hard now to distinguish when she is really not feeling well, but over time it'll get easier as he gets older. Hope this helps!

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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

My son is 8mo and he is/was the same way never cried!! the 1st time he ever had a fit he was going through the seperation faze! so i think he will let you know if hes in pain...but as for the rock hard belly I would offer 1oz of aple juice(my pedi gave me this info when ry was 3mo) he said that apple products are sometimes constipating but the amount of sugar in 1 oz is just enough to get things moving if thats what his body needs...and if not you wont see any change and he will become "regular" on his own...I still use this trick if hes had new foods and they dont seam to be agreeing w/him.

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A.H.

answers from Cleveland on

ok to help you with the pooping thing. once a day put karo syrup with water. he will drink it all up. when he poops you can tell if he has been backed up by the solidness of it. to me it sounds like you have a good baby, maybe a litle quite but i wouldnt worry to much about it. well good luck

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K.J.

answers from Dayton on

If he is formula fed, it may be okay that he only has a dirty diaper once a day. My son gets formula a couple times a week to supplement when I'm at work and it does seem to back him up. When they are that little there isn't much you can give them but you can try water. Not very much, just maybe an ounce or so in between feedings. Especially with hot weather, infants sometime need some extra fluid to keep things working. Also, if you gently move his legs like he is riding a bike that might help get things moving. That usually worked for us. If his tummy still seems really hard, you might want to check with his ped.

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S.L.

answers from Dayton on

My kids have had some bowel issues and the doctor usually prescribes me a stool softener (which shouldn't cause diahrea, but just soften things up to come out more easily). However, I've never had that issue with a baby so young; I would ask a doctor first. A baby should be regular with bowel movements, especially if his diet is the same all the time... Maybe the time he goes every day just happens to be when he's at the day care. I'd request the daycare to chart it somehow so you can see whether or not there really is some regularity to it. With a day care that has MANY kids in their care, how can they really remember when your little one last needed a diaper change?

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E.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi...I would try putting dark karo in his bottles or w/water in a bottle if you breast feed...my daughter had alot of trouble w/bowel movements and this worked great to get her going...I would still take Jace to see his pediatrician either way because it is better to be safe than sorry w/ the bm's & w/the lack of crying...best of luck to you & little Jace.

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