I have a 9 month old baby that is constipated.....?

Question

I don't know what I should do or try. I've spoken to my Dr. and they told me that it is normal that babies have a stool movement up to 4 days apart. Doesn't seem right since when he does go it is too much for a baby, amount and size.

Answer 1

If the doctor says the baby is fine, why are you concerned? And if you think the doctor is *wrong*, then I would suggest you get a second opinion from another doctor.

Answer 2

The recent heatwave may have something to do with it?
Infant glycerine suppositories are the best for short-term relief to empty a loaded bowel (or you can use homemade soap ones if desperate). Every time the baby goes 3 or 4 days without doing the do, put one of these in and the problem may resolve itself.
Importantly though, ensure adequate fluid intake - esp. fruit juices. Someone already said prune, pear - but not apple, that may have the opposite effect and make constipation worse.

Answer 3

I had four kids and believe me I have had my moments of constipation,it seemed endless I am a nurse and,My ex-father in law is a doctor.He had us give the baby straight formula(a couple of ounces).He said if that didn't work use apple juice not prune juice as it is too hard for a new born to tolerate.Finally if that did not work there are suppositories for infants.My kids made it through just fine--they are 21 18 12 10.Good luck -hope for a good out come(no pun intended).

DO NOT GIVE THE BABY CASTOR OIL-THIS IS A DANGEROUS SUGGESTION AS IT CAN CAUSE CRAMPING AND CAUSE TOO MUSH WATER LOSS THROUGH THE COLON AND THE BABY COULD BECOME DEHYDRATED OR WORSE>

Answer 4

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition defines constipation as “a delay or difficulty in defecation, present for two or more weeks, sufficient to cause significant distress to the patient.” While often suspected by parents, constipation is seldom a problem for babies who are not yet on solid foods. Constipation is particularly rare for exclusively breastfed babies.

For babies around three to four months of age, the usual recommendation is to offer extra drinks of plain water. If the baby continues to have uncomfortably hard stools, then fruit juice (apple, prune or pear) diluted with an equal amount of water is suggested once or twice a day.

For older babies who have started solid foods, try:
# Adding more water to the baby’s diet
# Decreasing constipating foods (rice cereal, bananas).

you can get more tips for treating your baby's constipation at http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bhealth/topics/0,,4rhh,00.html?ice=ivl,searcht

good luck!

Answer 5

i have found that the best solution for constipation is to give the baby prunes, like a whole jar of prune baby food. along with some apple juice. also give him/her some oatmeal. this has worked like a charm every time for my daughter. they also have glycerin suppositories you can buy at the pharmacy, i have never needed to use these but it is an option, that will not harm the baby and will help soften things up a bit. also make sure the baby is drinking lots of fluids. some things to avoid are bananas, and anything starchy like potatoes, and rice, those are things used to treat diarhea, so avoid them if possible. if things dont get better in a few days, take her to the doctor again, sometimes you have to be pushy to get anything done. good luck.

Answer 6

Give your baby some apple or prune juice.. no more than 9 oz in a day. ( As many ounces as the baby's age in months) Those fruit juices serve as a natural laxative, but do not dilute it.
Also, a warm bath can help loosen the bowels. He may go in, or out of the bathtub. In this weather, it is important to allow your baby to drink plenty of water. Allow him about 32oz of formula or breast milk ( if you're nursing) and offer water between feedings. All those things will help.

Answer 7

The best thing to do when your infant is constipated is to give him prune juice. Baby prune juice is fine and don't dilute it. Be prepared for a crapsplosion though and have some desitine on hand in case of rash. This always worked 100% of the time with both of my kids.

Answer 8

One think you can try is abdominal massage. If the baby lays on it's back, you sit facing it. Rub the stomach in a clock-wise direction. Never ever rub counter-clockwise. You can just go around in a circle with gentle but firm pressure (you can push in fairly deep without it hurting) or you can move in that direction making little tiny circles all the way around. You can take the baby's legs and bend them in to the stomach gently, or rotate them in a clockwise pattern.
You can do this every day.

Also make sure the baby gets enough fluids as well as fruits and vegetables

Answer 9

Had this trouble with my son. First what did the doctor suggest? Mine said to add a little Grandma's Molasses (about 2tablespoons as I remember) in his bottle and that did the trick. Also, how about a little water/apple juice. If your 9mo. old is still having a good appetite try these things, if not I would take him/her right back in and your dr. will help if it gets more serious. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

My sister always suffered from constipation since the day she was born.....I advice you to be careful with giving her too much prune juice, still it works, but you should watch the amount of prune juice you give your baby.....The other thing we used to give her was Castor Oil, they sell it at the supermarket, with just a teaspoon in the water or juice, it should help loosen the baby up. Good luck with treating the baby, and be careful not to give too much of anything.....just in case.

Answer 11

When my 23 month old daughter gets constipated I always give her about 4 to 5 oz. of apple juice and that normally helps her.