My 5 month old seems to be extremely constipated. What should I do?

Question

My 5-month old daughter seems to be very constipated. Her bowel movements are kind of infrequent, firm, and pellet-like. I've called a nurse and she simply told me to put a teaspoon of Karo syrup in her milk. I've done that, and it didn't do anything for her. Then, they said to give her prune baby food or 2 ounces of prune juice, but that doesn't seem to work either. She is getting very irritable, and my patience with these doctor's remedies is wearing thin. I just want my baby to feel better. I NEED HELP NOW! I would say at this point, I'm very desperate.

Answer 1

make sure to use the dark karo syrup and give a good generous squirt into a bottle. try at least 4 ounces of apple-prune juice (gerber), my son loved it! also, any fiberous foods, veggies and when she's older, cheerios. if nothin else, ask if you can use milk of magnesia, i used it when my son was older. but beware-use very very little ONE time only...it can lead to loose, frequent B.M.
also, i know it's frustrating but i think it happens to all babies at certain ages. she will outgrow it and it might happen again for a short time in a few months. do not get discouraged and give her lots of TLC.

Answer 2

OTC suppositories work wonders. You can also take your baby to the ER and get even stronger suppositories. To prevent this in the future give your daughter 2 oz of apple juice in the future 2x daily. The fiber that the apple juice has can make bowel movements on schedule.

Answer 3

My son was the same way he was very constipated. You need to check the milk that she is drinking. I wouldn't try prune juice because that will make her strain more. Sometimes the milk can be to strong for her system. Try different brands of milk it may be expensive but you want one that you can help her system. I hope she feels better and I hope you try it I did and it worked for my son

Answer 4

Try apple juice, lots of water-even water down the apple juice. 1/2 and 1/2. Ask your dr. how much water (straight) to give to her.
Also, rubbing her tummy might help, and maybe helping her move her legs a little bit (kinda like bicycle riding) to help her tummy too. Stay away from cheese and bananas, those things can cause constipation.
Watered down (12/ and 1/2) orange juice/water mix might help her too.
I wish the two of you the best. Take care.

Answer 5

Glycerin Suppositories for immediate relief.... and ask your doctor about a possible dairy allergy.... that was the problem with my son. If that's the case, there are dairy-free formulas that will make a huge difference. Don't let your doctor brush you off, either, make sure they take the necessary steps to find out if it's an allergy or not. Good luck!

Answer 6

Are you giving her solids? That's probably why she's constipated. If she is eating solids (especially meat). Give her some water to drink because one of the causes of constipation is dehydration. Add some fiber to her diet like whole grain, fruits and vegetables. Or you can stick a suppossitories (like Fleet or Zymenol) up her butt to make her go Another reason could be that she's just scared to go #2 or ignoring the urge to go.

Answer 7

are you giving her the dark karo syrup?? IM sure you are but i just wantd to check. Try giving her a warm bath. That always seem to work a little. If she isnt straining and crying then Iwouldnt be so worried about it. MY daughter is 4 and still poops like that.

Answer 8

Hi,I have 4 children and this has happened to all of them in the past. You can buy the over the counter supositories. That will definitely help! Give the baby lots of liquids especially water.

Answer 9

aside from apple juice and prunes i don't know, sorry,. I was also told karo syrup but didn't work for me either.

Answer 10

Give her some of that baby gas medicine, warm water and rub her stomach. It helps for my 3 month old son.