My 10-month-old grandson changed formulas a few weeks ago and has been seriously constipated ever since. We've tried the Karo syrup and the pear juice that the doctor recommended but he still has infrequent, painful and extremely hard movements. What else could we do?
2007-03-10 01:56:12 · 10 answers · asked by wollam43 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I just talked to the on call doctor at my pediatricians office about this lat night.
She suggested to lay off the cereals...if he's on solids and focus on fruits...specifically PRUNES.
She also said giving an ounce or two of water was OK or if he won't take that..prune juice diluted with water was ok too.
I started my son on the prunes last night and so far he's been SUPER SUPER flatulant...but no poops yet.
Lol, it seems (since he's gassy) that the prunes have gotten thing s moving at least.
2007-03-10 02:26:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I changed my daughter to the store brand formula when she was 5 wks old and she went thru the same thing so we switched back. You'll probably need to get some glycerin suppositories in the near future but consult the pediatrician before you use them. I assume hes eating solids since hes 10 months old....do less cereal and more fruits and veggies. Maybe he should have some water to hydrate him some.
My daughter is 8 months old now and we have been doing a daily bottle of 2 oz Apple-Prune juice by Gerber with 2 oz of water to dilute it a little. Those help but this last week we ended up doing a suppository because she was so constipated. More than likely the formula change is the culprit but the rest of his diet should be able to compinsate.
The advice we got this past week when she hadnt had a bowel movement in a few days AFTER we had given juice to no avail was...
give a suppository (it didnt work for 4 hours so I called and they said to go ahead and give another....if that didnt work in a few hours give 1/2 teaspoon of Milk of Magnesia....if THAT didnt work in 12 hours give another 1/2 teaspoon) the 1st suppository ended up working while I was in the drup store buying the 2nd one)
I would consult the pediatrician and ask what they would recommend though...Gylcerin suppositories should only be used as a last resort!
2007-03-10 10:46:24 · answer #2 · answered by GAjen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son had the same problem, and we tried the Karo syrup as well. What I ended up having to do was put Karo syrup in prune juice (it's not as horrible as you expect it to be) and give it to him. Once they start going, it gets better, and I didn't have to give him that anymore - now I just give him about 2 ounces of pear or apple juice to keep him regular. It seems like it's a self-perpetuating cycle, being constipated actually makes it worse b/c everything gets all backed up - so once you can get things moving it will start to improve. If necessary, you can get suppositories from the doctor. Also, speak to him about switching formulas. Sometimes it just takes a bit for their system to adjust to something new - especially b/c breastmilk is so much more easily digested. It's so sad when they are grunting and turning red and crying from trying to push it out (and then it's like a marble!!)..so I feel your pain. Try the juice with Karo and if it makes no difference, get the suppositories.
2007-03-10 10:14:24 · answer #3 · answered by Hilary M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prune juice does the trick quite easily. Forget the pear juice and karo syrup. Apple juice works also but not as well. Don't use too much though. Give him a bottle (or sipply cup) once a day with about 1/2 oz. of prune juice mixed with 3 oz. apple juice. You can also buy apple/prune juice in the baby food section. I've known older children who still drink this juice for this same problem.
2007-03-10 10:24:50 · answer #4 · answered by Ann 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The formula is most likely the problem. If he is getting too much iron this can cause constipation. Try diluting the formula by putting a little more water than recommended or try another formula. Consult with his pediatrician, but if this started when he switched formula, switching to yet another may very well take care of it. My 10 month old daughter used to get gassy alot until I changed her to soy milk. For constipation they say that prune juice is really good. Not the best tasting but it is infamous for helping with constipation.
2007-03-10 10:01:55 · answer #5 · answered by dejesus 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My doc just prescribed my girl some white grape juice or apple juice 100% non diluted 1-2 oz 2 times per day.
2007-03-10 10:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by r_e_bronson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the formula is to blame. Its likely there is more iron in the new formula than the last, this is often the cause of infant constipation.
You can actually get infant suppositories from your pharmacy. Check with your doctor about which to use, and how.
2007-03-10 10:06:04 · answer #7 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this happened to my son when he started on formula too. what i did is i bought children supsitories and cut them in 4's. and put it in and held it for a few seconds with my hand (of coarse i cleaned and wore gloves) and that really worked.. but i also so i don't have to do that all the time would give him dilutted prune juice but gerber prune juice. 2 oz.of juices and 1 oz. of water.
2007-03-10 10:18:06 · answer #8 · answered by sonia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My nephew had the same problem but is allot younger. We used apple juice and infant enemas they worked. We also helped by pushing on the bottom of his feet when he started to have a bowel movement, it helped that he had some thing to push on.
2007-03-10 10:03:29 · answer #9 · answered by lak3rat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE THAT AGE I USED WHITE GRAPE JUICE FROM THE BABY SECTION AND IT HELPED. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK THEY MAY NEED TO TRY A DIFFERENT FORMULA
I WOULD LET THE DOC.. KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.
I HOPE THIS HELPS AND YOUR GRANDSON FEELS BETTER VERY SOON.
2007-03-10 10:06:33 · answer #10 · answered by KAT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋