Ms. Mary Silva
Specializing in feeding and nutrition.
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 Ask Mary Silva
Diet Recommendations for a Constipated Six-Month-Old | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Ms. Silva,
I have a six-month-old son who has been eating cereal since he was five months old. We have now introduced some fruits and veggies, but ever since solid foods have been a part of his diet, my son cannot pass a bowel movement by himself. My doctor suggested colace and that worked, but I don't want to keep giving him that, so I now give him prunes. That only works after a couple of days, but he strains, cries, and gets so upset. I've been giving him watered down apple or apple/prune juice, but nothing seems to work. He also is breastfeed and used to have three or four bowel movements everyday, but now it's consistently one every four or five days. He's so uncomfortable all the time, but my doctor doesn't think it's a big deal. I do. Do you have any suggestions?— Concerened Mom in Maple Ridge, B.C. Canada | | | ANSWER |
July 11, 2001 | | | Dear Concerned Mom,
Dealing with constipation is very concerning to parents and uncomfortable for babies. Since stool patterns are different for everyone, you don't have to worry much if your baby has few bowel movements during the week, however hard stools are much more problematic. Hard stools are not only uncomfortable but also may cause an impaction or blockage, which is quite serious.
Preventing hard stools requires a diet full of fiber from fruits and vegetables and adequate fluid. Giving your son fruits or vegetables at every feeding will help; you also can use strained prunes everyday for its laxative effect. Breast milk provides adequate fluid, but some babies do benefit from two to four ounces of undiluted apple juice or pear nectar or diluted prune juice.
If your baby's constipation does not improve after increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in his diet, do not hesitate to once again bring up your son's hard stools with his doctor. — by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. |
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