Constipated 6 week old?

Question

I have a 6 week old baby boy who has been constipated since his formula was switched. The formula is Enfamil AR it is the only formula he doesn't spit up or throw up but it's made him constipated. We even tried soy, and it made him worse. I told his dr and they said Karo syrup, but it didn't do anything but made him spit up his bottle most of the day. So had to call again today, they haven't called back yet. I am hoping they don't want to change his formula again, because I don't want to put him through that again. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Miss Lady He has been on the formula for over 2 weeks. Silly girl, his bowl movements are like little milk duds, and he cries when he pushes it out. tosha I used the clear Karo, but made him sick. I am not giving him any iron meds. Just wanted to answer all the questions that where asked

My milk never came in, even with pumping every two hours for the first week after I had him. I know that breastfeeding is the best for a baby. Some of us aren't as lucky though.

Answer 1

I think I would listen to your Dr's advice and mention to him about botulism and karo syrup and see what he has to say about it. I had the same problem and my dr recommended karo syrup as well. All Dr's are different in what they believe, as are mothers,ect.. Good luck.

Answer 2

Hmm well you may want to consider that switching the formula has caused temporary constipation, though constipation is a very common side effect of formula feeding. However as stated above seeing the hard poop or an exam by a doctor is the only way to diagnose constipation. It is perfectly normal for a baby not to poop for 3-4 days (7 days if breastfed)

Karo Syrup is corn syrup and corn syrup is a potential cause of infant botulism PLEASE DON"T FEED IT TO A CHILD UNDER 1 NO MATTER WHAT A DOCTOR TELLS YOU!
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/Botulism/clinicians/epidemiology.asp

The first treatment for constipation should be 1/2 oz of water 2-3 times a day NO MORE. Gripe water can also be added to the water. If it is severe consider using a glycerin suppository (I recommend using a 1/3 to 1/2 infant dose to start). Glycerin suppositories are safe, will not cause dehydration and are almost not absorbed at all into the blood stream.

Infant massage and warm baths are also safe.

Answer 3

I have a 2 month old daughter who became constipated at 5 weeks due to a formula switch. She was prescribed Enfamil Enfacare Lipil (liquid), but the powder formula was sent home with her as well. So when the liquid ran out, I mixed the powder formula as directed but for some reason it did not agree with her tiny digestive system. Her pediatrician recommended 4oz of Pedialyte and baby (child) glycerin suppositories (just a small piece) and whala! An instantaneous BM!

Answer 4

I used warm water, about 1-2 ozs and baby suppositories. This worked for my son when he was small. He's 5 months now. I still use the water if he doesnt go to the bathroom and then he usually goes. The warmer the water the better. The suppositories help a lot if the constipation is really bad. Try it. It wont hurt him. Good luck. Hope he goes soon..

Answer 5

One tip if you are giving him Iron meds, don't pediatric dr. recommend it but they usually say its not necessary and it can make baby's VERY constipated. What ever is in formula is usually enough. Other wise if your not giving him that try and bare with it for a while maybe he just needs to get use to the change, if that doesn't work as much as you would hate to do it, you may have to change formula again! Good Luck!

Answer 6

My baby was constipated from almost day one. My doctor had my give 1 oz of straight prune juice. 2 times a day it helped alot. Another thing if you are putting cereal in the bottle such as rice or barley it makes it worse. Ask your doctor about a lower iron formula and carnation good start seems to to work for alot of people I know including myself. If he spits up put 1 baby spoonful of oatmeal in the bottle for every 3 ozs. That came from my ob/gyn. A regular peditrician won't tell you this though.

Answer 7

My daughters Dr. told me that the iron in the formula can constipate them. He told me to give her a little water in a bottle. I don't know why the Dr. told you to use Karo. It can cause, I think it's called botulism, in children under 1. Just like that's why you aren't supposed to give them honey. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 8

Try giving him cooled boiled water between feeds. If he refuses to drink water, pop a tiny bit of formula powder in with it. The chance are that he's spit a lot of it back up, but even a tiny bit down him helps keep his bowels moving.

Answer 9

Baby's poop cycles change...My guy went from pooping twice a day to pooping once a week and he is not constipated.

Unless the stool is solid, your baby isn't constipated either. Just because he's not pooping as often doesn't mean he's constipated. Make sure you check the consistancy of the stool once it appears. Is he showing any signs of discomfort?

My guy is as happy as a clam, but he get super farty until he finally goes. I spoke to my doctor about it too and they said as long as his poops look normal whenever they finally do come out...then he's fine.

My daycare lady also suggested that a few ounces of water may help especially with formula fed babies (I don't abide by this philosophy...just passing it along)

Answer 10

Your baby has to get used to the formula if his body doesn't adjust to it then they may have to change it again. You can try giving him a few ounces of water after each bottle just so that it can flush through his system. I hate when the formula you give your baby makes them throw up or constipates them.
Good Luck!