How much poo is normal?

**sandralee** · 11-02-2008 14:36

Hi guys,
How much poo is normal for a baby who is 11wks old? He was only recently switched to formula & has been doing a 'firm golf ball' sized poo each day. I am only concerned because he squeezes his fists and grunts and goes red in the face, but nothing more happens. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated! He used to poo a lot more.
Thanks, Sands

**UmmInayah** · 11-02-2008 14:52

I've never used formula. But I would say as long as the poo isn't hard or dry, bub wouldn't be constipated.

**sandralee** · 11-02-2008 15:26

Thank you - it's like play dough!

**Lissa7** · 11-02-2008 20:32

Formula fed babies are prone to constipation and they don't go as easily as breast fed babies.

With my girls I found that Karicare was better for the constipation side of things as S26 seemed to make them worse as it's quite rich. I would also add an extra 5ml or so of water to each bottle which also helped.

If it gets really bad there is always coloxol drops but not good to use all the time, I saved them for when they had gone a while and were really staining.

**EsSjAy** · 11-02-2008 21:07

I'll go against the grain here and say it depends on the formula.... A more 'whey' dominant formula is better and the way it is made up.....
They are not all the same....
S26 is renowned for constipating babies which is why alot of Paeds don't reccomend it for newborn bub's anymore....
Can i ask what formula she is on?

Hard poos can also be a sign of maybe needing extra in her bottle ' a little growth spurt' can be the cause, also changing formula can do this for a couple of days....
If she's grunting badly and it seems to pain her when passing a bowel motion it's constipation... Playdoh consistency is classed as constipation in a new little bubba.... Don't be alarmed thought hun.... These things can happen....
A warm bath or a warm compress to the lower belly can help a great deal, and also gently circular massage on the lower tummy 3 times a day can help to.... diluted prune juice (at bub's age 10ml juice to 10ml water)is perfectly safe but if she continues to be constipated then i'd discuss it with your Health Nurse or doc....

All the best hun and congrats on bub!!! x x

**sandralee** · 11-02-2008 21:56

Hey thanks guys! He is on 's26 for lactose intolerant babies' and it says it is a whey dominant formula - has been on it for 12 days now. It was recommended by a midwife for tummy upsets (wind etc) so now I don't know if I should change formula or not - do you just make a swift changeover or do it gradually? I will add more water to his bottles too, that's a great idea! Each day I have been offering him boiled water, & also a bottle with diluted prune juice in it, or a half teasp of brown sugar mixed with boiled water. He roughly drinks about 10-20ml. xx

**EsSjAy** · 11-02-2008 22:34

Originally Posted by sandralee

Hey thanks guys! He is on 's26 for lactose intolerant babies' and it says it is a whey dominant formula - has been on it for 12 days now. It was recommended by a midwife for tummy upsets (wind etc) so now I don't know if I should change formula or not - do you just make a swift changeover or do it gradually? I will add more water to his bottles too, that's a great idea! Each day I have been offering him boiled water, & also a bottle with diluted prune juice in it, or a half teasp of brown sugar mixed with boiled water. He roughly drinks about 10-20ml. xx

Sorry hun but s26 lactose free is very prone to constipate bub's.... It is whey dominant but not the same as some others... I have to be careful what i say cause I don't want to discredit but it's not one most paeds recommend... sorry hun!! I would seriously consider Karicare LF formula... Boiled water in small amount is ok but i wouldn't add any sugar as this is not too good for the tum also and can have the opposite effect believe it or not.... sugar can dehydrate and cause the body to absorb more moisture leading to constipation... If you are needing to do these things to help bub's bowel motions then from my experiences and from what i have learnt it's the formula that's no agreeing with him. I'd comfortably recommend the change and there is no need to wean them over gradually either... It's fine to do a straight swap hun....

How's his weight going? any other issues?

All the best x x

**sandralee** · 12-02-2008 09:19

Haven't weighed him since weaning but he looks and feels! like he is gaining ok. WIll make the switch to Karicare today as I can't stand the thought of him being constipated and uncomfortable!!! Someone told me about the brown sugar mixed with water to help them poo, but I would prefer to give him nothing other than formula or boiled water - will get my husband to buy some Karicare on the way home. Have tried everything fom pedalling is legs, warm baths, massage.....
thank you again! xx

**EsSjAy** · 12-02-2008 10:33

Originally Posted by sandralee

Haven't weighed him since weaning but he looks and feels! like he is gaining ok. WIll make the switch to Karicare today as I can't stand the thought of him being constipated and uncomfortable!!! Someone told me about the brown sugar mixed with water to help them poo, but I would prefer to give him nothing other than formula or boiled water - will get my husband to buy some Karicare on the way home. Have tried everything fom pedalling is legs, warm baths, massage.....
thank you again! xx

Your very welcome hun.....

Just to let you know the prune juice is safe...
the best one to buy is Sunraysia as it's got the juice, the whole juice, and nothing but the juice

.... You can buy the smaller bottles to prevent wastage....

All the best.... Hope it goes well.... Would love to know how it's going....

x x