Has anyone given their child flax seed oil?

Question

It was suggested to me to help my 3 month old soften her stools a little bit. She is not constipated just has firmer stools. If so how much did you give and how old were your kids when you used it?

Answer 1

I wouldn't do that. I've never heard of it being done. What you can do is give one ounce of juice per month of age up to twice a day. In your case, you can give up to three ounces of juice (prune, apple, white grape). Start with one ounce mixed with an equal amount of water once a day. If that doesn't work, try it twice a day. If that still isn't cutting it, increase the amount.

Answer 2

I use flax seed oil all the time, but I have never given it to my kids. It has to be kept in the fridge and is mostly a vegan alternative to fish oil capsules or castor oil. It is a lot more expensive than castor oil or mineral oil.

To be honest, it seems a bit extreme if she isn't even constipated. She might get the runs, especially if she's never had anything but breast milk and forumla.

You can buy organic prune juice and give her one teaspoon full before a feeding as a more gentle solution, but it might give her stools that are too loose!

Most three month-olds' with stool problems would be cured by drinking a few teaspoons of cooled water that has been boiled.

Then again, firm stools are only a problem if you get the impression that it hurts her when she poops. And then, some babies get relief if you hold them upright over a potty or the toilet when they start to grunt. That way, they can use gravity to help them. You really should look into elimination communication for safe ways to help your baby be more comfortable (article below).

Answer 3

Flax seed oil can cause serious cramping, bloating, gas and epigastric pain in adults with mature digetive systems.

It would be cruel to give flax seed oil to an infant with an immature digestive system. Firm stools are ideal, my dear.

The person that made the suggestion to you has NO idea what they are talking about, and you should keep that in mind. Most kids do NOT need anything like a stool softener. ever.

Answer 4

DO NOT GIVE YOUR BABY FLAX SEED OIL
use diluted prune juice instead.
WARNING:
Infants, young children, and nursing mothers should avoid supplemental flaxseed oil. Because of possible antithrombotic activity, those with hemophilia and those taking warfarin should be cautious about the use of supplemental flaxseed oil or flaxseed. Flaxseed oil intake should be halted in those having surgical procedures.

Answer 5

That's going to give your baby some serious gas! If your doc didn't suggest it, don't do it. Your poor baby will be more uncomfortable from it than with the constipation. Try the infant prune juice instead, and I'd say just a few sips because he's so young.

Answer 6

Who suggested it? Your doctor? If it was your doctor then I would go ahead, but if it wasn't then don't give it to your baby until you have the doctor's O.K.
Are you breastfeeding? Babies who are breastfeed don't get constipated, so it maybe something else.
I've never given my kids flax seed oil and I am a Mother of 3.

Answer 7

You need to consult your doctor before giving anything to your three month old that is not breast milk or formula. DO NOT GIVE HER ANYTHING>>>NATURAL OR OTHERWISE>>> WITH OUT SPEAKING TO YOUR DOCTOR. Please do not take this matter lightly. Regardless of who suggested it, you should consult your doctor so that you do not make a mistake that you could regret regarding you child's safety. Children younger than 6 months should not be giving anything hearty since they could develop food allergies because of it.

Answer 8

i use flax seed oil. it is good...but i do prefer OLIVE OIL!...OLIVE OIL is good for the health/./// and ALSO that cod liver oil is a tried n true wonder for hard stools.