Seven Months Old Baby Constipated

Constipation is not about how OFTEN a child has a BM, but the consistency of the BM. If its hard stones, then she needs some help (glycerin suppositories are the best). If its just delayed and she tries to go but doesn't, its no big deal, as long as when she finally does go its not hard rocks. It is normal for children to have a change in their BM habits when starting solids. For formula babies veggies and fruits can be the best thing in the world, but for BF babies, it slows them way down. My daughter didn't go but once in 4 days, but since it was a firm, but not HARD stool it was not something for us to worry about. Feel her abdomen, if she's truly constipated it will be hard and full of stool, if not its soft.

When my daughter, now 5 months old, would get constipated, I would give her a bottle with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and about 2 ounces of warm water. This really seemed to do the trick. I've also heard that Kayro syrup works as well. Good luck!

Infant glycerine suppositories will be your best friend. My pediatrician is the one who recommended them.
I only used half of one at a time and I only needed to use them a few times and never needed them again.
My doctor, who was very into homeopathy by the way, said that the more you give a baby to ingest, the more it gets clogged up if you don't deal with the other end and he was so right.

Best wishes.

After feeding any solid food give a gap of two hours(the food will gets digested completely) and give her plenty of water.. Again food mixed with water takes lots of time to digest...maintaining a gap b/w solid food and water is the thumb rule to avoid constipation...

Breast milk has lot of water what the baby needs, so you might not be knowing the importance of water.. But any semi solid/ solid food needs water intake.. And again water should never be combined with food and never to be given before the food gets digested completely

Include fibre rich food such as fruits, brown rice cereal and vegetables.. Water also plays a major role in removing constipation

Still ur kid has the problem, please get some tips from your peaditirician

Hi! I work with a lot of moms who have 'backed-up' kids and it's especially hard to watch babies with this issue. One of the easiest things you can do is give her a high quality probiotic made for infants. It's the good tummy stuff - and it can work wonders as far as constipation. Bonus - no side-effects, only health benefits. Most health food stores have good quality brands with no added junk or you can look online. I would be careful about adding sugars into her diet, despite karo juice or juices helping immediately, they can have a damaginge effect on your daughter's overall digestive health. You have to think both relieving uncomfortable symptoms now and also optimizing digestive health, which is key to overall health. Hang in there! ~A., www.NourishMD.com

I was in the same situation with my 7 1/2 month old twins. I only breastfeed until they were 6 months old then I started making them solids with fresh veggies and fruits. They both used to go multiple times a day but when I started them on food they would go a few days without a BM. I asked the Dr about it and he said its perfectly normal and to only worry if they go more than 6 days without a BM or if their tummies become swollen or if they bleed when they do have a BM. They have been eating food now (they still breastfeed also) for about a 1 1/2 months and have become regular again going at least once a day.

I also read that pears (pureed) have lots of fiber and help constipation. You should look into a cookbook for babies called Love in Spoonfuls. It has great recipes but also lots of helpful info!

Hope this helps!

Any time a baby is constipated for more that a day or 2 you should let your doctor know.

Our pediatrician recommeds apple/prune juice mixture and if that doesn't work, infant glycerine suppositories.

Lots of good answers already. Talk to your pediatrician and see what they say. As your child is only 7 months, did you do a food presentation (one new food at a time every three days)? Some people dont do this, but it really helps detect allergies and food intolerances. It also helps you to detect those foods which may promote a bowel movement;with my daughter, broccoli helped.

don't give here apples or apple juice or sauce. Apples are good for fiber but for a little one its gassy and can constipate. She needs to get use to solids plus she may not go everyday like she did. she maybe a every other day or every 3 day kid. Prunes are gassy too be careful. try grapes peaches watermelon cantalope strawberries blueberries. Banannas can bind too. Are u still breastfeeding? you may have to drink mor water. if not and your formula feeding. Add more water to the fornula so she gets extra water to help her go. good luck. u might want to get gas drops to help with gas

Hi! I also have a 7 month old. When he has gone longer than normal without a BM, I give him pureed plums or pureed mango. Hopefully this helps your precious one. Good luck! Also, when he eats solids, I offer him water in a sippy cup.

That is not constipated. That's just one of the lucky things about breastfeeding!! Unless it comes out in hard little balls, she's fine. It just means she's digesting her food well:) They strain because they don't have good control of their bowels yet. My sons both strained every time they pooped, constipated or not. It will get better as she gets older and has better control and can relax the muscles involved to let it come out instead of having to push it out.

I suggest you an herbal tea that`s babies magic tea..!! It`s Worked AWESOME with my beautiful angel;)

My kids both had similar problems when I started supplementing with formula at 10 mos and also when solids were introduced around 6 mos. It is pretty normal I think because their digestive track is getting something new. Try avoiding cheerios for a while if you are giving those to eat. I don't know why but they always backed my kids up! I also used Miralax at my doctors direction. Also feed baby a good quality plain yogurt (like fage). Many store brand yogurts don't have the live cultures after processing. My kids loved plain greek yogurt and still do. Avoid the super sugary flavored ones. If she won't eat it plain just add some fruit puree at home.

First of all, you both are not alone. We went through the same thing when I first introduced solids to my LO. I also breastfed and still do with my 18 mo yr old. My dr. told me not to be concerned (although I know it is hard to watch your LO be uncomfortable), but to keep doing what you are already doing. She also advised soaking prunes in water and putting the water in a bottle for your LO to drink. In addition, I would also try some cooled herbal tea with fennel (after consulting your dr. of course).

HTH and hang in there -- both of you. This too shall pass (pun intended!!)

We had that problem, and still have it sometimes with our 1 year old. Prune Juice and Apple Juice are our best friends when it comes to this and lots of pears. When our son was that age we had to use glycerine suppositories. All it took was 1 (1/2 of children's glycerine suppositories) and the job was done. Be consistant and give juice of your choice and fruit of your choice (not applesauce) with every feeding. My dad gave me a sip of coffee when I had this problem as a baby, and both parents say it worked wonders for them. I'm sticking to what I know works for our son, but it could be an option for you.

I also just want to add that you want to make sure you're not feeding her anything within the B.R.A.T Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce & Toast), because that will make it worse. Good Luck... We've all been there!

Hello SS---I also think that it may take time for your daughter's digestive system to learn how to digest these different foods. If you were breastfeeding, you were actually providing her with predigested food. I hadn't realized that until I started working with a number of pediatricians in my wellness business.

A little background about me. I have been a student of wellness for over 6 years now. I had come to the realization that my health is up to me. The current medical system is better at fixing things (sometimes) rather than prevention. I'd rather take control than be a victim to my genes and our environment. So, I am taking a series of wellness classes taught by a Naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition. Here are some ideas for you based on what I am learning.

First, I have the honor of working with Drs Bill and Jim (ABC The Doctors) Sears. Dr. Bill has written a number of books. At this point, I would recommend you get the Family Nutrition Book. I'd be he also has some advice on his website, www.AskDrSears.com.

Foods that are good in helping to alleviate constipation: from the 'Healthy Food Directory', bananas (yes, I know...most everyone tells you to use these for the opposite problem...I fed my husband bananas and kiwi with a bit of agave nectar when he broke his hand and his tylenol 3 caused constipation...it WORKED!), dates, garlic, kiwi, water and whole grain breads. Black licorice is a good laxative. Tofu is also mentioned as being useful for constipation. I have some great recipes that I could share. You could make scrambled 'eggs' using tofu.

Another book shares that a glass of warm water first thing in the am stimulates gastric juices and has a mild laxative effect.

I have a couple of hand-outs I can share so be sure to contact me if you'd like those. Can't attach them in this forum.

I work with a company, as do the Dr. Sears, that makes a whole food supplement, made of the dehydrated juice powders of 17 different fruits, veggies and 2 grains. One of the first things people mention when consuming this is that they become more regular. Since it is in powder form, a bit can be mixed in with your daughter's food and will likely help to train her bowels.

Be patient. Keep offering lots of fluids and a variety of foods and her body will soon realize what it is she is supposed to do. When my babies were little, I would often spend time with them in my lap, head by my knees and I would be sort of pumping their legs when they seemed to be having problems with bowel movements.

If there is anything else I can do to help, I would be honored to do so. Good luck! In health, D. ###-###-####

Oh, poor little girl! And poor Mama! That has to be so worrisome for you. I would also talk to your pediatrician about the situation, because she could have a more serious problem than constipation. My nephew, at seven months, was in the same position at the same developmental stage of his life. He had bowel movements regularly when he was breastfed and trouble going--for several days at a time--when he started solids. When he did go, it was only a tiny , ribbon-like bit that would get stuck between his cheeks, so the doctor knew he was impacted and tested him for a couple of things. He tested negative for Hirschsprung's, celiac disease, and food allergies, but my sister does need to mix Miralax (which was recommended by the specialist and her pediatrician and totally safe) into his food to help him be regular. They still haven't found what his issue is. I'm not trying to alarm you and don't want you to worry that there is something more serious going on, but it's good to talk with your pediatrician, especially if you feel like you're giving her plenty of fiber and fluids (breastmilk, water, etc.). Keeping a food and elimination diary (along with your daughter's other symptoms) can also help you gather information about her situation and relay it to her doctor. Good luck...she sure is fortunate to have a mom like you!

My mom and aunt both told me about this solution. (my mom was a biology teacher and aunt is a nurse) try dark karo syrup mixed with warm water. 1/3 syrup with 2/3 water. it looks like watery coke. the syrup is safe and it helps loosen up stools. i told my pediatrician about this and she said it is safe and really works. it worked for both of my boys. My older son was horribly constipated and the syrup worked wonders. (once a day in a 4oz bottle)

It is wonderful that you are still breastfeeding! Good Job! You might start over with the solid foods...one new food at a time to see what is causing the constipation. Maybe her little system isn't ready for solid food yet at all. I didn't give my breastfed babies ANY food til one year. I would be sure to nurse her often and give her some water. At this age solid food can really be just practice for later and volume isn't that important. She can still thrive on just breastmilk for a few more months. All that straining to "go" isn't good for her either. All the best to you!

I'd call your pediatrician and ask their advice.

Our pediatrician is very anti suppositories by parents - prefers they be done in the office because of concern for infection, tearing, etc.

We have had to put our daughter on daily Miralax because she developed encopresis from being constipated. Basically, she's afraid of pooping, and we're trying to retrain her. This developed a few months before her 2nd birthday.

We can offer you advice - the best thing is to get more fiber into her diet by doing exactly what you are, fruits and vegetables. Because of her age, anything else should only be done with your pediatrician's blessing.