is karo syrup safe for a 10 week old with constipation?

April - posted on 05/12/2009

All I know is I tried it with my little one and she projectile vomited all over the house and no relief from the constipation.

Joyce - posted on 05/12/2009

I returned to work after my boys turned 6 months, and nursed both til about nine months... after returning to work as a pharmaceutical rep. Not sure if you've looked into it or not, but a lot of places (and I'm sure even more, now so, as my youngest is now 7) have nursing rooms or quiet places where you could possibly go and pump. I used to pull over in one of the docs offices that I would visit, and pump. LOL

What type of formula are you incorporating in your babies' diet? I found that Carnation Good Start worked really, really well for both my boys and according to the stats and reports, was deemed the formula that resembled breast milk the most.

Hope this tad helps as an option. :)

Becky - posted on 04/18/2009

i would definitely try prune juice first. My son had terrible constipation problems at that age too. An ounce of prune juice in his milk did the trick. If it's not enough add another ounce. If it's too much maybe every other bottle etc. etc.

Janine - posted on 04/18/2009

try Infacol safe from birth and gets things moving

Samantha - posted on 04/18/2009

yes its safe, I have been giving my 6 week old karo syrup at every feeding since he was 4 weeks old. the dark karo is what you use,its a natural stool softner and loosens them up. My little guy has a hard time so thats why we give it to him. But if your not too sure yet just call your doctor.

Lora - posted on 04/18/2009

My baby had constipation real bad for the first 6 months and they told me to give her 2 tablespoons of prune juice in her bottle twice a day. I think they Enfamil AR causes constipation because it is a little thicker so they can keep it down, my daughter constipation was caused by the formula. Another thing my doctor suggested was using a rectal thermometer to stimulate, but you don't want to do that to often that they get dependant on that to go. Hope this helps and good luck!

Debbie - posted on 04/18/2009

Karo syrup is safe. I put 1 teaspoon for every 2 ounces in my sons bottle. It wont work with the first bottle, it might take a few time. You can also try apple, prune, or pear juice. The apple and pear juice you should be able to find "baby juice", but the prune juice you will have to water down..i do 2 ounces of juice and one ounce of water. My doctor said not to give them more than 2-3 ounce of the juice a day though....

MaryLynn - posted on 04/17/2009

It is always best to discuss any problems or concerns with your doctor. Years ago, before all the canned formula such as similac and enfamil, formula was made with karo syrup and evaporated milk and water. Most of your grandparents probably grew up with that type of formula - it was obviously safe back then, My daughter had issues of spitting up from a variety of formulas. She was given an upper GI test at 6 weeks old to be sure that the value at the end of the esphogas was closing properly after eating. There are some cases where it has to be stitched so it would close after eating to prevent the spitting up. She was very tiny and gaining just a little weight so there was concern. She was fine and I was told to make her formula with the karo syrup, evaporated milk and water. She eventually outgrew the spitting up - but it wasnt until she was about 11 months old.

Laura - posted on 04/17/2009

prune juice!!

Missy - posted on 04/17/2009

Both of my boys were constipated and I was told to put a teaspoon of Karo syrup in their bottles as early as two months old. I was also told by the dr. that I could get Similac with out iron but I had to find a store that sold it that way..otherwise I would have had to special order it directly. I did find it at wal-mart. Their bowel movements still didnt go over once a day normally.

Meredith - posted on 04/17/2009

what i used to do with my boys, was i would coat the nipple of a pacifier, and let them suck on that, and i would put it in their bottles, seemed to help, just like a teaspoon.

January - posted on 04/17/2009

I used Karo on my daughter when she was younger, she is 6 months now! I think it helped pretty well. My sister works in a pediatric office and they recommend a tsp with bottle, shake it up well in the formula. I was also told to use dark karo and not light karo. I wouldn't give your baby any water, they shouldn't get water until they are atleast 6 months old. Any juices that start with the letter P are also good for constipation...you can mix juices with water, just don't give them straight water. It got to the point where I had to use a supository on my baby because it had been about 4 days since she went and very fussy. I bought a glycerine supository at wal-mart and used about a 1/4 of the stick. She was cleared out about 5 minutes later! Good luck, its a tough thing to go through!

KAREN - posted on 04/17/2009

No you shouldn't use karo syrup for constipation for a 10 week old, formula will cause constipation until the baby gets used to it. Give him some gentle ease formula that will help with the spitting up. The other may be too hard on his tummy, as for constipation he may need something recommended from your pediatrician. I work as a Medical Assistant in a Pediatricians office and it will cause your baby problems by giving him karo syrup. hopefully this will help you.

Belinda - posted on 04/17/2009

I had this problem and my pediatrician recomended prune nector. 15ml in the bottle with her formula every morning until her poop softened. It was usually resolved by the time she went to bed!!

Vicki - posted on 04/17/2009

yes chat to a dr first... my daughter was given CALIFIG made wiv figs,.....she 15 now and occationally uses it still

Sharon - posted on 04/17/2009

NO NO NO!! That is an old wives tale.... In fact any sugars will give your child GAS! If anything and you don't get any answers from your doctor, go to WEB MD. There they will tell you what is safe to do.

Kristin - posted on 04/17/2009

i used pediatric glycerin suppositories and split them in half and down the middle works like a charm.

Loree - posted on 04/17/2009

I always thought the Karo syrup was for diarhea.

Apple juice (diluted half and half) always worked for my kids during the transition between breast milk and formula. If the formula has iron in it, it may be too much for your little one's system, causing the constipation.

Steffanie - posted on 04/17/2009

i used Karo Syrup with both of my boys. My youngest is 3months old and i put it in some of his bottles. The doctor is the one who told me to do it. I just coat the bottom of the bottle with a thin layer of syrup.

Yani - posted on 04/17/2009

Check the iron content on the formula you are giving him. My daughter had a similar problem and we ended up switching her to a low iron formula, that helped. If things got bad then our pediatrician recommended that we buy glycerin supositories and gently massage the opening of the baby's anus with the tip of the suppository. do not insert more than the tip. this usually helps begin the process.

Leah - posted on 04/17/2009

I agree...it is safe, I had to use it for my daughter. and after a couple weeks..we've not had any issues.

Amanda - posted on 04/17/2009

my son had same issue he is now 15 but my mother in law suggested half a tea spoon of brown fine ground suger dissolved in some warm sterile water about 3 ounces, it worked a treat for Ben.

Jenifer - posted on 04/17/2009

Absolutly! I had to use it for my first little girl and if it's used in moderation. Basically you only need to use a small amount once mixed with the formula and it's definatly a better idea because most doctors would prescribe something that you have no idea what is in it and Karo syrup is safer. Try the Lipil if that doesn't work also. My girls prefered it and it has all tha same stuff we do. I commend you for still staring out breast feeding because he got all he needed from you! :) Good Luck!

Cynthia - posted on 04/17/2009

It works,. it's safe. As with everything moderation is key - don't over do it.

Roberta - posted on 04/16/2009

my son started out on Enfimal with iron which made him spitt up ALL THE TIME.. so like u, we had to switch to AR.. which is great... i also had to use the karo and he started using it when he was only 6 weeks.. his doctor told me 1 teaspoon in a 6 ounce bottle.... the first bottle of the day and it had him going regular..

Brandi - posted on 04/16/2009

my sister and mom used just alittle sliver of a bar of soap and put it in the butt. and i do meen alittle bit , it worked wounders on my nephew. its like a baby enama.

Carisa - posted on 04/16/2009

My stepdaughter's doctor just told her to add 1/2 oz of 100% unsweetened prune juice to his bottle (give or take more/less as needed). My grandson is just 1 month old. Hope this helps you.

April - posted on 04/16/2009

My son since he was born had stomach trouble, always constipated and cried continuosly. We even went to a GI specialist after 4 formula changes. We ended up with gentle ease but not with 100% results His doctor recommended fenell tea. I too heard of karo syrup but was told not to give to him due to risk of botulism. The fenell tea really helped soothe the stomach pains he would have and helped regulate him. I found a fennel tea made just for babies 1 month and older the brand is HIP it may be online, I purchased it at a polish european store near my house. Hope this helps a bit,

Tiffany - posted on 04/16/2009

Get gripe water instead

Megan - posted on 04/16/2009

I would check with your doctor first.  My son had problems with spit up and constipation and he had pyloric synodis and had surgery to fix it.  We tried the karo syrup before we found out what was going on. 

Tabitha - posted on 04/16/2009

Yes it is safe my doctor told me to use it when i changed formulas bc he got constipated. it is a natural stimulant.... that was one of the worst things I have had to go through with one of my kids you feel so bad for them. I have to say also it helps them if you take a Q-tip and put some vasaline on it and just swab the inside of the little butt but just barely they don't have anything in them to soften it up and that also means they don't have any moisture to help lube it up to get it out...... Oh I just cringe at the thought of going through that again I feel your pain.

I did it every feeding in a bottle just about a tablespoon to half a table spoon (mine was 2 months when I was doing this and that is what the doctor recommended) per 4 oz just until they were able to pass it out. then about once or 2 times a day after that just to help get them regular and let their bodies get used to the new formula.

Bilyana - posted on 04/16/2009

I used it on my baby when he was 6 weeks. I put 1 tsp in 2oz of light chamomile tea (instead of plain water) and let him sip on it a little at a time throughout the day. He's 1 now and I still use this recipe whenever he isn't regular. It works every time.

Toni - posted on 04/16/2009

absolutely...also, if he is bad constipated and you are desperate for quick fix, the Fleet's baby glycerin suppositories are great...my 1st daughter had bad constipation almost right off and would actually get impacted...how miserable for a newborn...but the suppositories really helped....also, watch if your giving him gas drops...too much of this causes constipation...also, too much cereal (if your putting it in bottle at night)....

good luck! hope the lil man feels better....

Toni

Abbie - posted on 04/16/2009

boiled water with a little brown sugar(3 or 4 grains)works a treat xx

Rebecca - posted on 04/16/2009

I to switched from breast to bottle. Reason for swicth I dried up after 2 weeks.

Initially bubs too was constipated, however I was recommended Coloxil drop for infants. Since I have had her on these she is alot more setteled. She used to scream when trying to push her poos out, but now there is no issues.

Teresa - posted on 04/15/2009

go to a healthfood store and get blackstrap molasses i used organic it has lots of vitamins so its good for them the lady at our store said it also has a calming effect so it helps soothe the tummy .i used it 3 kids and recommended onto several friends who had great success as well ..better than karo ..healthier...u can get acidophilus powder there as well put in bottle to help streghthen immune system protects from sickness..ask your doctor about it if u want ..it was a life saver for my daughter..we started out going through about 100 diapers first couple weeks home she had a rough time adjusting cause i had trouble and was not able to produce milk to continue to nurse her..hope this helps

Melissa - posted on 04/15/2009

Quoting Joanna:

is karo syrup safe for a 10 week old with constipation?

we just switched my 10 week old son from breast milk to formula. He has had spitting up issues so we have him on Enfimal AR. I saw that some moms recommend karo syrup for constipation issues. Is that safe for the young ones, too? If so, how much and when?

Have you tried brown sugar mixed with warm water it really does work and quiet quickly!

User - posted on 04/15/2009

I wouldn't recomend it. I heard you shouldn't give them that till around 6 mo. Try giving him a little water between bottles. Does he vomit alot? My kids had acid reflux along with milk allergies and had to be on Neutramgin, and Allamentum along with meds for the flux. Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2009

I switched my son from breast milk to formula after 8 weeks.  He became very constipated and I asked a pediatric nurse what to do. She said put 1 teaspoon of Karo syrup in his bottle twice a day.  So I put it in his first bottle of the day and his last bottle at night. After he started eating solid foods/fruits, he became a little more regular and I didnt use it anymore. 

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2009

I switched my son from breast milk to formula after 8 weeks.  He became very constipated and I asked a pediatric nurse what to do. She said put 1 teaspoon of Karo syrup in his bottle twice a day.  So I put it in his first bottle of the day and his last bottle at night. After he started eating solid foods/fruits, he became a little more regular and I didnt use it anymore. 

Nicole - posted on 04/15/2009

It works Wonders! in a 4 ounce bottle a teaspoon is enough.

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2009

No!  talk to your Dr. 

Winne Kaye - posted on 04/15/2009

We tried the Enfamil with our second child and he was always constipated, when we switched him to Similac we didn't have anymore problems and continued it with our third child. I have never used Karo, though, Mylicon gas drops always worked well for our constipation/gas issues.

Shelly - posted on 04/15/2009

It is a wonderful help yes but just a teaspoon. As long as you don't overdue it it has worked wonder's for our daughter. We only use it when really needed doesn't need to be an everyday thing.

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2009

Quoting Joanna:

is karo syrup safe for a 10 week old with constipation?

we just switched my 10 week old son from breast milk to formula. He has had spitting up issues so we have him on Enfimal AR. I saw that some moms recommend karo syrup for constipation issues. Is that safe for the young ones, too? If so, how much and when?

DO NOT USE KARO SYRUP FOR A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF A YEAR!!!!!!

I had given my son karo syrup in his bottles for several months for chronic constipation as prescribed by his doctor, I then switched his pediatrician and when I told him about the syrup I was giving to my son he couldn't believe a doctor would have told me to do so. Apparently he had a child who ended up on life support after his parents had given it to him. The issue with the syrup is the same as the issue with giving your babies Honey. Karo Syrup contains Botulism Spores.  Talk to your doctor about alternative treatments for your childs constipation.

Angie - posted on 04/15/2009

No! When my son was a baby someone suggested Karo Syrup to me.. his doctor told me I absolutely should not give it to him. He said Karo Syrup can be contaminated with a bacteria (due to the way it is made), that is harmless to older children and adults,but could be detramental to an infant's health!

Starla - posted on 04/15/2009

When in doubt don't....pears or prunes are so much easier!

Clare - posted on 04/15/2009

my daughter has had bowell problems since she was born and has had to take lactulose all her life when she was about your sons age my dr taught me how to clear her out naturally its a bit yucky but it realy works all you need is one of those cotton buds for your ears and some vaseline and you put the cotton bud in the vaseline and then tickle the bum hole with it dont put it inside just tickle the outside and it helps them to open their bowells like i said its a bit yucky but when your child is screaming in pain you will do anything to help lol a warm bath and some warm baby oil rubbed on his tummy might help to if hes just slightly bunged up hope this helps clarexx

Claire - posted on 04/15/2009

my health visitor told me to use brown sugar and boiled water mixed 1 spoon of brown sugar to 3oz of water

Toni - posted on 04/15/2009

Joanna:

Clear or light Karo has been used for decades to relieve constipation in infants.  For the ones who tell you Beware Of Botulism (sp?), Google it and see that 20 years ago there was a botulism scare in Karo.  I am 48, I used it on both of by daughters and on my grand daughter.  If I used it today on an infant, I would purchase a brand new, brand name bottle of Karo and be very careful not to contaminate the bottle myself.

It will work!  and you can put it in water or in formula about 1 teaspoon per 8 oz is the normal dose I have heard of and used successfully. 

P.S.  Karo is so much more natural than any prescription or over the counter medication!!