Now that I've been giving my baby (8weeks) more formula, he's been having thicker poops and seems to be struggling with them. Does anyone know if there's anything to do about this or does he just need to work it out?

Thanks,
Nina

By Semperspencer on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:33 am:

Formula poops are definitely more thick. Don't worry about constipation unless the poop appears as firm pebbles. Hope that helps!

By Karen55 on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:38 am:

Jules nursed Madison when she was an infant and she still had trouble pooping. Karo syrup daily did the trick.

By Nina on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 02:30 am:

Karen,

How much karo syrup?

Thanks,

Nina

By Kaye on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 02:39 am:

Hi Nina! We did the karo syrup thing too. Just a couple of tablespoons per 8 ounces. I read somewhere though(parents magazine this month i think), that although infants look like they are having trouble passing stool, it is really because of an immature digetive system. And you should really not worry unless the poop itself looks hard. Good luck and congratulations!

By Karen55 on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:16 am:

That sounds about right. Nina, it's a good idea to check with your pediatrician before doing this though.

By Nina on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 11:06 am:

Thanks ladies, I will check with my ped. but it seems like I'm ALWAYS calling him! I know this is my 3rd child, but I always worry so much!

Nina

By Semperspencer on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 03:16 pm:

Nina, the doctor may say the karo syrup idea is a wives tale. I tried it a couple of times with my kids when they appeared to be struggling and it did help a bit. Try it anyway, it won't hurt!

By Bobbie on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:22 pm:

The ped I worked for had the mothers give 2 ounces of prune juice to two ounces of water a day for babies with constipation. The iron in the formula can bind some babies up.

By Nina on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 11:45 pm:

Bobbie, can that be given to an 8 week old?

Nina

By Mommyathome on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 11:20 am:

We also did the karo syrup thing, against my doctors recommendation. It worked for us. It's kind of a really old fashioned home remedy. But if it works!!

Also, the iron in formula does constipate some babies. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor about switching to a low iron formula. That helps too

Good luck, and let us know if you find something that helps.

By Vicki on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 11:28 am:

Formula fed babies do have thicker stool than breast fed babies. If you have recently switched your baby, it may be that. Babies have to develop those muscles that push it out. It will look like they are having a hard time going while getting those muscles stronger. You actually need to go by the stool itself rather than the face they make while going. IMO, as long as it is soft and not little pebbles, your baby is just fine!!

By Bobbie on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 12:54 pm:

Yes he started having the mothers give the mixture as soon as the two week check up in some cases. Everyones body breaks down the iron diffrently and in some people it can cause major consitation issues. But the iron is important for the grownth of the baby. Prune juice is 100% natural and safe for the baby. Just 2 ounces to 2 ounces of water.

Like Vicki said, you really need to look at the BM's and make sure the baby is really having issues with constipation. Beyond grunting and getting red faced.

By Nina on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:08 pm:

Thanks so much ladies!! I really apprieciate the advice!

Nina