My 6 week old baby has been having constipation -- what's the best way to cure it??

Question

We gave suppositories, however do not want to give too many.

Answer 1

I have had the same issue with my daughter (6 months) since she was born and I had to breastfeed and supplement with formula. I called my doctor and was told the following:

Bowel movements vary greatly. It can be perfectly normal for a baby 1 month or older to have bowel movements anywhere from once after every feeding, to once every week. What matters is what the stool is like when it comes out.

If it is soft and squishy it is not constipation, this is perfectly normal as long as the baby is still gaining weight, not undernourished, and at least goes once a week. (my baby ate like a horse so it was definitely not from eating too little)

If the stools are hard and formed like an adults, or dry looking pellets (think rabbit poop), then it is constipation and I was told to try the following, in this order:

1 - Take the tip of a thermometer, use a bit of KY jelly or other water based lubricant (NOT vaseline), and insert just the tip (about 1/2 inch max) into the rectum, and gently rotate for 60 seconds. This stimulates the baby to poop. you will then see the consistency of the poop, and if it was real constipation or not. Do not rely on this method to make your baby poop regularly because they can develop a dependence on being stimulated to go and some don't learn to go on their own if this method is used too often.

2 - If that doesn't work as an immediate measure, put 1 teaspoon of dark karo syrup in 2-4 ounces of breastmilk or formula and you can do this twice per day.

3 - I was told that if these things didn't work, suppositories were a last resort measure and to only use half of one glycerine suppository and then call the doctor back to talk about more permanent remedies (I had to give karo every few days to keep her regular), or if this does not work.

4 - At 4 months old I was told I could start mixing 50/50 of prune or apple juice with water (1-2 ounces of each), but not earlier than that. This was my pediatricians orders, some other pediatricians may have other views on these things, but I found their information to be accurate and worked for us. Some people notice that applejuice either does or does not work for them like the prune juice does. For me, apple juice made her worse so I now give prune only.

Things to note: At this age, DO NOT give your baby things like adult applesauce and baby food prunes that have been suggested. Your baby is only 6 weeks old, and foods other than breastmilk or formula should not be given before at least 4-6 months old (the closer to 6 months the better). They are hard on the tummy at that age. Also, do not give water unless instructed to do so by your pediatrician. Karo can be added to formula in a regular feeding, but water can mess up the electrolyte balance of your baby and fill them up on something that has no nutritional value.

If in doubt about all of the information you receive here please do call your pediatrician, they may have different advice or want to check your baby to make sure he or she is getting enough food or has no other issues like an obstruction.

Answer 2

My 8 month old has dealt w/ constipation off and on since birth-- I breastfeed her and now I can give her prunes and she'll go by the end of the day. But if you are formula feeding it could be the amount of iron in the formula.
I was told karo syrup, but it didn't always work - and my doctor warned that some babies begin to want the sweet taste of the karo over milk. The method my good friend w/ 3 kids told me worked like a charm each time though, sounds painful or mean- but my daughter had no problem and it didn't bother her--- Take a Q-tip and petroleum jelly-- make sure there's plenty of vaseline on it and gently stimulate the anus. This lubricates and stimulates them and they will start pushing any blockage out.

Answer 3

Best Constipation Cures

Answer 4

One of my sons was this way very young and so we saw an expert (Gestrointerologist specializeing in Pediatrics). She said you can use as many Glycerin suppositories as you want. (We also verified this with outher specialists too.) They are at most pharmacies and in infant sizes. Other types are medicated and can do damage if used too much or long but Glycerin is safe. Also, coconut milk is sweet and can be added to formula or breast milk. It is a natural laxative and you only need to use a few ounces a day too. You can buy it canned or the whole cocnut at any grocery store. There is also prune juice too but water it down if you have too as most babies this age will not drink something this flavor on it's own. Other than that, I don't know. Those worked wonders for my son. He has colitis, and so we have dealt with this since birth too. If this persists still by the time your child is 1 you should ask to test them with a specialist to see if they have colitis too. Very common ailment. At this age your baby should have a bowel movement every few days or so but if it is 5 days then see the pediatrician right away as it could be an abstructed bowel / compaction which can get serious.

Answer 5

Are you breast feeding or giving formula? Constipation is often a sign that the baby is not drinking enough. Don't use suppositories unless instructed to be a doctor because they can do more harm than good.

Answer 6

Take the baby to the doctor. It could be the formula that the baby is on. I had a friend who's child did the same thing and she tried breast milk and formula, the baby had to get a special formula. Call the Dr. to get in as soon as possible.

Answer 7

Constipation is usually defined by the consistency of the stool. If it is hard and dry then yes she is contsipated...if she hasn't had a bowel movement for a few days to about a week then this is considered normal.

Answer 8

sailor is right, my baby was very constipated as an infant, and it was because we weren't giving her enough formula. Also if you are using formula, if you are using a brand with a lot of iron in it, that could be a possibility.

We also took her legs and moved them like in a bicycle motion, this is supposed to help.

Answer 9

Do NOT give suppositories to a 6 week old. If you breastfeed you wont' have this problem. Change his formula if you are notl.

Answer 10

is your baby breast fed or bottle fed?? if it is bottle fed it could be the formula (i found out the hard way). try laying bubs on there back and gently bend the knees up to thier belly and hold for a few seconds, do that a few times it uaually comes straight out. Also try a few sucks of cool, boiled water. that may take upto a day to work.