What Causes Severe Constipation In Infants?
Question: Hi
I have a 7 month old daughter who has been both breastfed and bottle fed. She has been started on solids, but is having severe constipation. I have been giving her stewed prunes in her breakfast fruit that have been blended with apple added that is blended as well. I have been adding prune juice to her vegetables. She has been eating lots of fruit, peeled, but the constipation is worsening. She has cut two teeth.
I have cycling her legs when she tries to pass a stool, but this is having little effect. She won't drink water from a bottle or a cup, but will drink water out of a cloth by sucking it.
I have also stopped having lactose to see if that helps. She wakes up frequently at night to feed, up to four times a night.
Please can you assist.
Thank you.
XXXX
I have a 7 month old daughter who has been both breastfed and bottle fed. She has been started on solids, but is having severe constipation. I have been giving her stewed prunes in her breakfast fruit that have been blended with apple added that is blended as well. I have been adding prune juice to her vegetables. She has been eating lots of fruit, peeled, but the constipation is worsening. She has cut two teeth.
I have cycling her legs when she tries to pass a stool, but this is having little effect. She won't drink water from a bottle or a cup, but will drink water out of a cloth by sucking it.
I have also stopped having lactose to see if that helps. She wakes up frequently at night to feed, up to four times a night.
Please can you assist.
Thank you.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Try more vegetables and fruits
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
It is very common for babies at this age to pass hard stools.
You are doing your best already with prunes and apple.
What I would like to add
1. More vegetables and fruits.
2. Try fibre biscuitslike oats with water
3. If symptoms persist do get thyroid levels tested if not done already.
Sometimes babies with low thyroid levels can get severe constipation.
Wishing your child good health and
Speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr Arun
Try more vegetables and fruits
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
It is very common for babies at this age to pass hard stools.
You are doing your best already with prunes and apple.
What I would like to add
1. More vegetables and fruits.
2. Try fibre biscuitslike oats with water
3. If symptoms persist do get thyroid levels tested if not done already.
Sometimes babies with low thyroid levels can get severe constipation.
Wishing your child good health and
Speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr Arun
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar