What is causing my 5 mth old's constipation and how do I relieve it? He is currently only on formula.?

Answer 1

Always check with your MD first. There are a few things you can do at home. He can be introduced to solids like cereal and the first fruits and veg. Add watered down juices like pear, apple and white grape. I used a sippy cup and made the fluid warm. If the formula is iron fortifed, try the same brand without iron. Babies iron stores last 6 months and most cereals have it added. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Well first thing a baby at 5 months is still only eating formula with baby cereal in it. My 8 month old is the same way, If she eats plan rice cereal then she will get really constipated. It's not the formula with or with out iron in it. It will still make them constipated what I found that helps my daughter instead of using baby rice cereal in the forumla use oatmeal baby cereal she has not had any problems going to the bathroom belive me I know first hand.

Answer 3

He needs apple juice that is what my babies Dr recommended. I would first consult your Doc but that's what he will tell you. Start with an ounce and you can work up too 2 ounces a day just be carefull and make sure he is getting enough formula still. It is the formula causing it you may be mixing it a little to strong but don't worry about that lots of babies get constipated off formula. The apple juice will help till he gets solids. Then start with the p's peas pears plums. Stay away from rice cereal, which will be the first one the Doc will recommend but make sure you tell him about your babies pooping problems. Have fun and enjoy.

Answer 4

Pear Juice, works like a charm.

My daugter had a lot of constipation problems we tried every (swiching formula, did that 3 times before we came to Enfamil Prosobee, warm cloth on the belly, gently massaging the belly, etc.) The thing we found that worked the best was Gerber Pear Juice. They also have Gerber Apple Prune juice that works well too. Wish you the best of luck :)

There are a lot of people saying to add Kero syrup to your childs bottle DO NOT DO THAT. That is not healthly for your child not to mention if he is teething that will rot out his teeth. If you do not believe me about the Kero Syrup Ask you ped.

Answer 5

If he is only on formula, then it can be the type of formula. If you are giving him anything else it could be that something else. Or he might just be having a problem with his bowl movements. Which means you might want to take him to the doctor. Another solution might be to try him on some fruits.... anything but bananas. They will make him more constipated.

Answer 6

It seemed that all my kids had the same problem at one time or another when they were infants with constipation. It can make your child terribly uncomfortable. What I did was add a little Karo syrup in one of their bottles. It was the dark Karo. About a teaspoon. Also try some prunes. My kids actually loved them and they helped. Ask your doctor to see what they say. Good luck.

Answer 7

It's common if there is extra iron in the formula. Talk to the doctor about switching. My kids I used Karo syrup dark type(teaspoon or less) mixed in water, put into 4-5 oz. of water.

Answer 8

Maybe you are not mixing formula quantities as suggested. Give the baby prune juice to drink, this is quite effective and painless, should have a bowel movement after an hour or even less.

Answer 9

try a soy formula. at 5 months baby should have started solid foods. at least cereals. A little water in a bottle should help too. talk with his pediatrician. Actually my son went thru this, about 6 yrs ago. His pediatrician told me to give him a warm bath to try to loosen things up a bit...

Answer 10

Go to half strength formula and give him a bottle of warm water (no formula) a day until he poops. Hope this helps