Constipation/starting solids

**NewDad** · 18-04-2005 11:53

We just started our 4 month old on solids (rice cereal) and have noticed he seems to be getting constipated .... I think. He was exclusively breastfed, and would do a poo at least once a day, but since starting on solids last week, hasnt done one in four days. Should I be worried?

**Rell** · 18-04-2005 13:39

It does sound as if he could be constipated.Is he still breast feed or is he on formula now? If he has moved to formula this is probebly the most likely cause. You may need to try a different formula if it keeps up. If he is still on breast milk try giveing him some diluted prune juice (found in the Baby food section) and if this doesn't work you can buy a product called "coloxal drops" from the chemist and this works really well. If when you get his poos back to normal the rice cereal continues to make him constipated you may need to skip the rice cereal and go straight to veges. Rice cereal had the oppersite affect on my daughter so this is what the nurse told us to do.Good luck

**NewDad** · 18-04-2005 15:09

He is still only on breast milk, no formula.

Will try the prune juice. Thanx for the advice.

**Elfin** · 18-04-2005 15:24

Your baby is still a bit young for solids as it recommended these days not to start till 6 months. I would just be breastfeeding him till then and leaving the solids for awhile. Maybe his system is just not ready for solids yet.

**xkwzit** · 18-04-2005 22:23

Hi
Fruit will be good to get him moving, esp. pears (or pear juice). You could swap his rice cereal for fruit or mix it together. Bananas will tend to constipate, rather than loosen.

Best of luck
ps. I'd heard a rumour that the age to start solids has changed AGAIN - can anyone confirm? It was 4 months with my DD1 (2001) and 6 months with DD2 (2004). I'd heard that it was now 4.5 months - is that true or just maliciousness of health care professionals trying to keep us in doubt about our ability to parent (OK a bit tongue in cheek there - but it is CRAZY

- the babies haven't changed, just the advice)

**NewDad** · 19-04-2005 00:38

We were actually told by the local maternity nurse that it would be ok to start solids. So I'm really confused as to when is the best time to start on solids.

As for the prune juice, I found the following on a Vic govt health website :

Prune juice: contains a natural bowel irritant and is not recommended for infants under 9 months of age, even when diluted

**jessica** · 19-04-2005 10:26

Hi NewDad,

As a first time mum I'm really hesistant to give advice but we recently had constipation problems with our 8mth old and it wasn't nice!!

She was pooing but only hardish playdough type pellets for about 3 days - (she is also breastfed and we started solids at 6mths by the way), well it got to the point that when placed on her back she started crying because the poo would try to come out but she couldn't - you could see it but she just couldn't push anymore (sorry if this is too graphic!) - anyway we rang the CHN and she said to take her into the hospital! Here they had to physically pull the poo out! HEAPS of really dry, hard poo! Then she had to have a suppository and an enema!! Alot for a little girl (and her mummmy!) to cope with!! I guess my point is this can be really distressing for your little one so I would suggest seeing your doctor -

HOWEVER! I know some babies who only poo once a week and are just fine! You will know if your son is really constipated because he will be in alot of discomfort!

Our daughter is now on Sorbolax (Sorbitol - a sugar solution) for a week to help get moisture into her poos.... the reason she got to this point was she refused breastmilk for almost 24hours... not sure why, I think teething, back on track now though! again sorry for the graphic description.....

P.S We give her baby prune juice made by Heinz? Haven't heard about the irritant thing?

**NewDad** · 19-04-2005 15:04

Its been 5 days now since his last poo, but he doesnt seem to be in any constant discomfort. I've read that Coloxyl is very mild, so am thinking of using it just to be on the safe side, rather than wait till he is in obvious pain.

have tried diluted apple juice only at this stage (as well as his regular breast milk feeds)

Good idea ? Or am I over-reacting ?

**Elfin** · 19-04-2005 15:38

Here is the link the web page for Queensland Dept of Health Child Health web page. http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cchs/nutrition_feeding.asp It says here that 6 months is the time to start solids although some babies might be able to tolerate their introduction before that. The six months thing has come from the WHO I think.

I have just suggested holding off on the solids because they may be causing the constipation problem. It may mean that the system is just not ready to cope with solids. I know of people that start solids even after 6 months, I guess it is a judgement that has to be made by parents when they feel their baby is ready or as advised by a doctor. However, if it was me, I would be holding off for awhile especially if it was causing a problem and trying again later to see if this fixes the constipation.

**mumworkingoverseas** · 16-05-2005 20:48

Hi New Dad,

We went through the same problems with our daughter at about the same age. We were advised to skip the cereals and move straight to pureed fruit. Our pediatrician also recommended Coloxyl drops which we initially used. After talking to my naturopath we decided to stop using the coloxyl drops as she has had patients bringing in 5 and 6 years olds who cant not take the coloxyl drops without becoming constipated - they have become dependent on them.
We now use a homeopathic product called childrens reflux relief (but also for constipation) and it works wonders. We only use it if she is constipated and it is natural - no dependancy problems. I believe you can get a similiar product from the chemist - Bauer or Brauer brand.

Worth a try.

Good luck,
Tan.