What helps a 3 month old constipated baby?

Dana - posted on 04/04/2011

Since the OP has already gotten her answers from a doctor and the problem is resolving itself, I'm going to go ahead and lock this thread. Thanks for posting ladies!

Dana ~ WtCoM moderator.

Brandi - posted on 04/04/2011

Have you tried taking her to the chiropractor? It worked for my daughter. It's the most natural way of correcting constipation issues. Just a minute misalignment in a baby can cause many issues! Good luck with your constipated 3 month old baby!

Shana - posted on 04/04/2011

Try giving her a little blended plumbs or applesauce. Sounds like you haven't introduced solid foods yet. My son was having trouble with constipation and throwing up until i started giving him solid fruits when he was about two months old. his tummy really seemed to love them...and so did he!

Melinda - posted on 04/04/2011

My daughter had the same problem and still does from time to time. We would give her pear juice and it would do the trick.

Mamata - posted on 04/04/2011

Rice, apple juice are not recommended. Only breastmilk and formula till baby is 6 months old. Water should be fine I guess after 3-4 months.

Ginny - posted on 04/04/2011

When my daughter was constipated, I was told to nurse her more frequently...breastmilk can help as a laxative. Rice can definitely cause constipation. I agree with some of the others, what made you think she wasn't getting full? I think 3 months old is too young to be on anything else but breastmilk(or formula). They're digestive systems aren't that mature. My daughter didn't have anything until about 6 months..and only then did she start the cereal mixed with breatmilk(spoon fed). Every baby is different I guess, but I just think that's a lot to give a 3 month old. I think they should just get more feeding of breastmilk or formula at that age...just my opinion .

Heather - posted on 04/04/2011

Try giving her probiotics every day in her milk or juice. Also, make sure that you're not using too much formula (or packed scoops) when you're mixing the formula. I wouldn't be giving her rice at this age. Rice can be very constipating. Once her doctor says she is ready for solids, try a brown rice cereal by HappyBellies by Happy Baby. Or go to oat if she is still having constipation issues.

Connie - posted on 04/04/2011

apple juice is what you give them in the BRAT diet when they have diarrhea...but the baby prune juice and give them 1 oz juice and 1 oz water... it will not take away more than 2 oz of their milk diet... they are pretty young for cereal ... try feeding them more often.. your milk will adjust... Grab a book or watch a movie during your feeding times if you get hyper... Also make sure you drink every time you sit to feed... water is best... milk is a food ...

Sherry - posted on 04/04/2011

Please please don't try any home remedies. You need to call your doctor about your constipated 3 month old baby!!! We almost lost our son when he was very small to way to many well meaning suggestions. ONLY your doctor knows what is best for your son at this very delicate age.

Kimberley - posted on 04/04/2011

Stop adding the rice...let her have more formula. i know ppl will say put cereal in her bottle but the cereal is causing the constipation. try putting an ounce or two of prune juice in to her bottle. or give her the prune juice straight. your baby shouldnt have hard stool until at least 8 months. Kim M. Mother of 3

Jenifer - posted on 04/04/2011

Hi Shanice
You can try some luke warm water with 2 spoons brown sugar. I used it for my girl when she was that aged.

Jasmine - posted on 04/04/2011

try giving her coconut water from tender coconuts available at Asian stores. just a 4-5 spoons a day n she will go smoothly within 10 mins of drinking it. it is completely safe. i have tried this on both my kids everytime they had a problem passing stool n it worked.

Charity - posted on 04/04/2011

I gave my daughter and son rice cereal because the formula wasn't helping them get full. I would have to add a little bit of Karo syrup to their formula, once a day to help make pooping easier. You have to be careful not to give them too much Karo (No more than 1/2 teaspoon to start then adjust according to your childs needs) though because it will cause diarrhea.

Mindy - posted on 04/03/2011

I dont think you are doing anything wrong....but why are you giving her breast and formula? And what makes you think she isnt full that you will add rice cereal to her formula. She should be satisfied with the breast, and if not are you drinking enough water and juice yourself? My dr. was VERY specific about telling me not to give anything other than the breast before 4-5 months and to NEVER add cereal to a bottle becouse they drink it too fast and there brain wont tell them they are full before they are completly stuffed....causing them to become over weight. My son never got constipated he just was kinda lazy and wouldnt poop. I had to put some vaseline on a Q-tip or a anal thermometer and put it in about 1/2 an inch and just stimulate it in a circle motion....and O.M.G it will work! Sometimes takes a minute or two, but right away they will start trying to push. Keep up with the juice and water, but take away the formula (maybe the iron is constipating) and the cereal. Dont forget that there little tiny system is still getting used to the function of going and putting too much on there system too soon and all at once can be a little hard on it. So maybe just keep it simple for a while till you notice a difference. Good luck with your constipated 3 month old baby :)

Renee - posted on 04/03/2011

I know the opinion goes both ways on this but, the karo syrup trick does work. I would NEVER have tried it if my pediatrician had not been the one to suggest it by the way. My daughter was found to be lactose intolerant by the time she was a month old and when they had us switch to soy formula (had to quit breastfeeding because breast milk has so much natural lactose in it) it totally stopped her up. She screamed in pain, the karo helped A LOT. We switched her to Enfamil Gentle-Ease (still milk based but extremely reduced lactose) and still had to do the karo trick occasionally until she got used to the change but, then it was just a little gas and no major pains or constipation.Good luck!

Cheryl - posted on 04/03/2011

Try a little dark Karo syrup in her formula- it works wonders!

Valorie - posted on 04/03/2011

there are a few things that have been used in my family. add about 1/2 ounce of dark karo syrup to an 8 ounce bottle of formula. another thing we use is apple juice.

Ing - posted on 04/03/2011

I had the same problem with baby,he is now 14,,he would be always constipated,,like deer pop or a hard ball,,The doctor told me to give him light CLEAR KERO SYRUP, a little in his bottle or in medicine spoon,you find it in the baking part of the store,about 1/2 teas and it worked quickly,now ,Please call your doc and tell him about your constipated 3 month old baby first,This worked great from my baby..Good luck.. :)

Kathryn - posted on 04/03/2011

Your 3 month old should only be eating breastmilk or formula. You are giving her the best chance for a healthy digestive tract if you wait. Rice is very constipating - and that is a very clear sign that her digestive system is too immature for it.

Charise - posted on 04/03/2011

My little girl did this, it was horrible, but mine was she went from going on to formula from breast. There is a natural senna type medicine you can get from the chemist to help, otherwise the other lady that said prune juice or pear juice. There is also a suppositry you can get for the little ones (it doesnt sound pleasant but is easy to use and it doesnt hurt the baby and help real quick) The chemist told me to try to give her some extra water before a feed, as the formula is what makes her constipated

Breda - posted on 04/03/2011

My son suffered from this and still does sometimes,and I did and still do use prune juice and orange juice but not concentrated bought one,I buy the prunes and oranges,juice them and at 3 months I used to give 5mls of one every half hour alternating,prune first then orange and it worked and still does with increased amounts!Because the natural sugar makes the bowels stimulate and his liver and kidneys are able for natural sugars,but not for artifical ones,hope this helps your constipated 3 month old baby.xx

Kerry - posted on 04/03/2011

1-2oz apple juice in bottle. And place safely in bath, not to hot, place wet warm washcloth over belly, and wala it works. I did this for my son was he was 2months old.

Tina - posted on 04/01/2011

Exactly what I was thinking I know a lot of people add a little rice to bottles but only a small about normally to help their babies sleep. But most doctors and so on are against anything but breast feeding or formula at this age and especially juice and so on even a small amount isn't good at this age because of additives in alot of them including sugar and salt. The salt alone put into these drinks can cause constipation, kidney problems and so on. This is just aimed at the doctor because he should know better.

Stifler's - posted on 04/01/2011

What kind of doctor tells someone to give their kid corn syrup and "okays" juice at 3 months.

Betsy - posted on 04/01/2011

Her digestive system is not developed enough to handle the juice and rice cereal yet. If she is nursing and being formula fed, how often are you doing this? formula may be causing your 3 month old baby's constipation as well. she should be getting full with just the milk, I find it strange that the Dr. is o.k.ing this diet for her so young. I had a friend who was breastfed and she was still very constipated and she used corn syrup as per her Pediatricians orders.

Brittlei - posted on 04/01/2011

brown sugar with water works

Jennifer - posted on 04/01/2011

some how it got cut off. the last little bit was

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Jennifer - posted on 04/01/2011

My pediatrician always gives me a pack of papers when I have a baby. It is from our local Children's hospital. I searched and found it on the net for you. I have always followed this and it has helped my kids so many times.

https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/tips/4113e0e6273314f0/index.html/

Mary - posted on 04/01/2011

Every thing needs a little water and a little caro syrup will help the child have a movement . That is the old fashion way do not feed your child cereals yet it can cause allergies to the cereal . you need to wait to feec solid foods . Some children need to be fed more often than others , And that is just life some children never wake up during the night but others wake up till they are big children . Every child is different . If you feel the need to feed you child cereal or any thing else take it to the doctor first and discuss it with them .

Julieann - posted on 04/01/2011

My son had the same problem. I mixed a little bit of prune juice into his formula. This is what the pediatricion said to do. It worked really well.

Nan - posted on 04/01/2011

My doc told me to give my son diluted apple juice . But,
give a little taste first to see if ur child has an allergic reaction since they've not had it before

Jodi - posted on 04/01/2011

I'm with thos saying to just go back to 100% breast milk. No more rice cereal or anything else. At this age, it is entirely unnecessary and *could* be causing the problem. Both the World Health Organisation and the AAP do not recommend feeding solids (including rice cereal) to a child until 6 months for a variety of reasons, one being problems with digestions. So really, this may be because your baby is not ready to digest the solid foods you are giving her.

I would suggest you stop giving her anything but breastmilk and see if that helps. How often are you breastfeeding her? It is not uncommon for a breastfed baby to need feeding every 2 hours.

Tina - posted on 04/01/2011

If you're putting rice in her bottle i'd limit how much like in one bottle a day at bed time or something although you want your child to be full you don't want to over do it. Try a little bit of brown sugar in some slightly warmed water about 50ml should help. I wouldn't give anything acidic to them because that can cause irritation on the bottom making it red sore and even bleed as well. As I recently found out. My son is quite a bit older and i gave him apple puree thinking it'd be a healthy snack. Goodluck hope this helps.

Renee - posted on 04/01/2011

my daughter was the same way... try nutreagen.. or liquid formula if she is on the poweder... thats the route that will work out best.. it is easier for them to go on liquid

Natasha - posted on 03/31/2011

listen to dr's advice cereal could be making your 3 month old constipated as can too much formula if he already gave the green light for juices he would probably be on board with karo syrup also which is what my doc had me do with my oldest when adding formula to the diet after breast feeding you have to dilute it quite a bit and you would need to call nurse to ask how much but this is all normal good luck

Sharu - posted on 03/30/2011

M glad to hear that...

Stifler's - posted on 03/30/2011

if you're feeding them the cereal and it causes a problem... try something else like oats or feeding a bit of pureed fruit afterwards. don't add things like laxatives into the mix.

Caitlin - posted on 03/30/2011

I would actually recommend asking your family doc for a referral to a gastro specialist - I got the best advice this way. My family GP is a great lady but her constipation advice didn't really work out for me. A 3 month old baby who is in the normal weight/size range shouldn't really need extra food other than possibly more milk feeds- i don't know your breastmilk to formula amounts but green stool can be an indication that your babe is not getting to the fatty "hind" milk when you breastfeed- sometimes the case when you do a ten minute feed then switch to the other breast (try a bit longer) the formula should help with the fat content but is harder to digest. I also recommend cutting the rice and using oat cereal instead if she really needs more. If your problems persist there is a behind the counter product called lactulose that you actually don't need a prescription for( but talk to your doc first) it is a man made sugar syrup that causes stool to hold a bit more water (do not use table sugar in water, lactulose is cheap and much more effective) I personally found that apple juice (and other juices- prune/blueberry) never really did much for me but everyone if different. Good luck and again I really recommend a second opinion other than your family doc.

Aleah - posted on 03/30/2011

I have a 14 year old and a 2 year old. When my first was born everyone keep telling me that he was hungry, so I gave him cereal. Then he starting having problem just like your child. My grandmother told me to use Karo syrup! It worked. I also used it with my 2 year old. Just a half of teaspoon will do. She may gain a little weight, but she will be happy and fill and you do not have to stop giving her cereal. The karo syrup will help break it down in her system.

Concerned Mom

Marla - posted on 03/30/2011

try feeding her a jar of fruit.

Samantha - posted on 03/30/2011

my daughter had the same thing and my doctor told me that a little dark corn syrup in the bottle twice a day. it does work very well and it is safe.

Sharu - posted on 03/30/2011

i have a four month old baby and i just started introducing juice for her... i did not give her any rice or juice when she was three months. I have observed that when a baby is over fed their poop becomes green, i also heard this from doctors that there is nothing to worry about it. check yr formula milk, are u giving the right amount of scoop for the right amount of water?

Jodie - posted on 03/29/2011

I had to take my last 2 kids to the doc for constipation. I was told to mix half prune juice with half water. I would take her to the doctor and see what they say.

Teresa - posted on 03/29/2011

Ditto Karen and Kathy. The best thing for her would be if you could just breastfeed 100%. Nothing else is needed for a baby of her age as long as your supply is enough and if she is wetting enough and growing.... it's fine.

Deanna - posted on 03/29/2011

My 3 month old is constipated too. Our pediatrician told us to use any juice starting with a p. Prune juice is what we use. He is drinking six ounces of formula now, so in his first bottle, I put four ounces of water and two ounces of prune juice and it really seems to work. We have been doing that every morning and I have seen a huge difference in his demeanor. He used to cry and scrunch up in pain alot, but this seems to do the trick.

Shanice - posted on 03/29/2011

thanks everyone for advice. i spoke to her doctor he advise i give her prune juice but to not dilute it. it was a sucsess i also use just a pinch of rice and boil with her milk and im breast feeding her more too,:)

Melissa - posted on 03/29/2011

Prune juice - 2 oz with 2 oz nursery water

Danielle - posted on 03/29/2011

She can probably have 1st foods prunes too, it'll really make them go, my daughter uses prunes when she can't go, works well.

Stifler's - posted on 03/28/2011

Constipating your baby with rice, then feeding her prune and apple juice or karo syrup doesn't sound like a good feeding plan to me. Once they start solids, they need some extra water in their diet, not laxatives. Also the constipation is a pretty good sign they're not ready for it.

Audrey - posted on 03/28/2011

i think they can have like 4 oz of water a day at this age. they just arent suppossed to have like whole bottles of water. my SIL tried to give my son an 8 oz bottle of water in one sitting and i was like NO NO NO! a little water is fine though.

Brandi - posted on 04/04/2011

Have you tried taking her to the chiropractor? It worked for my daughter. It's the most natural way of correcting constipation issues. Just a minute misalignment in a baby can cause many issues! Good luck with your constipated 3 month old baby!

Sherry - posted on 04/04/2011

Please please don't try any home remedies. You need to call your doctor about your constipated 3 month old baby!!! We almost lost our son when he was very small to way to many well meaning suggestions. ONLY your doctor knows what is best for your son at this very delicate age.

Mindy - posted on 04/03/2011

I dont think you are doing anything wrong....but why are you giving her breast and formula? And what makes you think she isnt full that you will add rice cereal to her formula. She should be satisfied with the breast, and if not are you drinking enough water and juice yourself? My dr. was VERY specific about telling me not to give anything other than the breast before 4-5 months and to NEVER add cereal to a bottle becouse they drink it too fast and there brain wont tell them they are full before they are completly stuffed....causing them to become over weight. My son never got constipated he just was kinda lazy and wouldnt poop. I had to put some vaseline on a Q-tip or a anal thermometer and put it in about 1/2 an inch and just stimulate it in a circle motion....and O.M.G it will work! Sometimes takes a minute or two, but right away they will start trying to push. Keep up with the juice and water, but take away the formula (maybe the iron is constipating) and the cereal. Dont forget that there little tiny system is still getting used to the function of going and putting too much on there system too soon and all at once can be a little hard on it. So maybe just keep it simple for a while till you notice a difference. Good luck with your constipated 3 month old baby :)

Ing - posted on 04/03/2011

I had the same problem with baby,he is now 14,,he would be always constipated,,like deer pop or a hard ball,,The doctor told me to give him light CLEAR KERO SYRUP, a little in his bottle or in medicine spoon,you find it in the baking part of the store,about 1/2 teas and it worked quickly,now ,Please call your doc and tell him about your constipated 3 month old baby first,This worked great from my baby..Good luck.. :)

Breda - posted on 04/03/2011

My son suffered from this and still does sometimes,and I did and still do use prune juice and orange juice but not concentrated bought one,I buy the prunes and oranges,juice them and at 3 months I used to give 5mls of one every half hour alternating,prune first then orange and it worked and still does with increased amounts!Because the natural sugar makes the bowels stimulate and his liver and kidneys are able for natural sugars,but not for artifical ones,hope this helps your constipated 3 month old baby.xx

Betsy - posted on 04/01/2011

Her digestive system is not developed enough to handle the juice and rice cereal yet. If she is nursing and being formula fed, how often are you doing this? formula may be causing your 3 month old baby's constipation as well. she should be getting full with just the milk, I find it strange that the Dr. is o.k.ing this diet for her so young. I had a friend who was breastfed and she was still very constipated and she used corn syrup as per her Pediatricians orders.

Jennifer - posted on 04/01/2011

My pediatrician always gives me a pack of papers when I have a baby. It is from our local Children's hospital. I searched and found it on the net for you. I have always followed this and it has helped my kids so many times.

https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/tips/4113e0e6273314f0/index.html/

Natasha - posted on 03/31/2011

listen to dr's advice cereal could be making your 3 month old constipated as can too much formula if he already gave the green light for juices he would probably be on board with karo syrup also which is what my doc had me do with my oldest when adding formula to the diet after breast feeding you have to dilute it quite a bit and you would need to call nurse to ask how much but this is all normal good luck

Deanna - posted on 03/29/2011

My 3 month old is constipated too. Our pediatrician told us to use any juice starting with a p. Prune juice is what we use. He is drinking six ounces of formula now, so in his first bottle, I put four ounces of water and two ounces of prune juice and it really seems to work. We have been doing that every morning and I have seen a huge difference in his demeanor. He used to cry and scrunch up in pain alot, but this seems to do the trick.