Anyone else battle constipation with their baby?

Question

I finally have my son pooping softer. (it was really hard) I give him a little water after each bottle and it helps. But if he won't take much water, the problem comes right back.

Did anyone else have this problem? What did you do to help it, and how long did it last??

My son is 3 weeks old and he's had this problem since about 8 days old.

Answer 1

put about a tsp. of Karo syrup in his bottle.  Works every time

Answer 2

My doctor told me to try some karo syrup, or a little prune juice It helped... my daughter was for 4 weeks before I found the problem. I tried everything and it was still and issue... I switched her formula from soy to regular and now she is regular and happy. try checking the formula, what formula is he on look at that it could be the culprit...

Answer 3

I too have this problem with my son. I have found a few things that work. You can add a dropperful of prune juice to a bottle. Or, you can put a bit of Karo syrup in his bottle. (works best for me) The Pediatrician suggested I also try taking his temp rectally. This makes many uncomfortable. I also try to give my son a bit of pedialite. Good luck!

oh, my son is now 7 months and the episodes tend to only last a day or two at the most. He rarely had episodes after he was 2 months. I find it is when he is stressed or is not taking in as much fluid as normal.

Answer 4

If your son is 3 weeks old...... he shouldn't need water.... unless directed by a physician.  Do not try and force him to drink more water then he wants.  Water isn't usually necessary until after 6 months of age.  Are breastfeeding or formula feeding.  I will assume formula because breastfeed babies rarely become constipated.  I would say the constipation is coming from an intolerance from his formula.  you need to try a different formula and see how that helps.  Also..... are you using tap water.... or maybe even well water???  Some tap water or well water can contain high amounts of iron.  Formula also contains lots of iron.  The extra iron may be backing him up.  Take him to the doctor and discuess the constipation..... and you and your doctor can figure out the best option of formula and tricks to help regulate his bowels.  At 3 weeks.... home rememdies should not be tried.  Any problems or concerns should be discussed with your doctor.

Answer 5

When my daughter was born, she wouldn't take the breast, so I had to give her formula. Her p**p was almost solid. However, once she was on breast milk, she was fine. Would it be possible for you to breastfeed, or pump and bottle feed? Breast milk is the least constipating food for babies.

Answer 6

if his formula has iron switch to one without. the iron was the prob;em with my oldest  

Answer 7

My son is on Good Start Soy - are you on soy formula too? Just wondering if maybe soy formula has anything to do with it.

Anyways, my mom's a veteran nurse and since this is my first baby I always go to her for suggestions. She said to try 1oz of water with 1-2 tbs of pear or apple juice mixed in. Just water will sometimes help, but if you add some juice that is supposed to help bowel movements, it will be noticeable difference.

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

My son had problems with constipation when I switched from breastfeeding to formula (he was about 2mo). I had started him on regular enfamil. My local WIC office suggested I try enfamil gentlease. Worked wonders! He never had any problems after that. Check with your dr or WIC office.

Answer 9

I had the same problem with my son as soon as we got home with him he stopped pooping.My doctor said to use infant glycerin suppositories once a day they don't hurt her and are not habit forming and it did help he know goes on his own but it took 3 1/2 months to get him straight he is now 4 months.My doctor also said I could give him 2 ounces of gerber apple juice once a day and it does help a little.If you have any more questions feel free to email me [e-mail].I would love to help out if I can.Oh I forgot something I also switched to Gentelease Formula it helped a little too.Just give him time he will eventually go on his own my son has now he goes sometimes twice a day.