I have a 6.5 month old who has been eating oatmeal beginning at 5 months and has started vegetables 2 weeks ago. He has had peas and squash so far. I'm concerned because he seems to be having difficulty with bowel movements (obvious straining). He always eventually has them but it seems that it should not be that difficult. The nurse practitioner told us that instead of feeding him milk first, I should feed him food first, then milk. So, that is what I began doing when we started vegetables. And now it seems to me that maybe he isn't getting enough milk/liquid to keep him bowels "easily passable". Any suggestions or comments on what you did? Thanks!
Hi S.,
Try vegetables with high fiber. Sweet potatoes are an almost perfect food. He'll probably love them. It's high in fiber but not gaseous. Avocado is great too.
M.
Slooooow down on the quantity of food. At this age they should just be experenting with differant tastes and textures. Constipation is a sure sign of too much too soon. Be careful of oatmeal as well, it could be causing problems. Thier digestive system is still not fully developed, so introducing too many foods too early could cause digestive problems later in life. Simply pull back on the quantity of food, it's all about experimenting at this age, not really eating. Hope that helps!
I always started mine on fruits after the oatmeal & rice cereal... apples & pears, then started in on the "yellow" veg before the "green" veg. But if they had no bad reaction to the apples or pears - if they are having issues w/ going potty, you can give them a little juice/water (1 oz to 1 oz) in a small cup or bottle. I use to get the little 4 oz single serve bottles because the 32 oz bottles would go to waist.
I also, only gave my little ones one new item every 3-5 days - to watch reactions. My 4 1/2 yr old broke out from baby food w/ peaches (more then once), but has no reaction to them now... don't get that one, but oh well.
The kids do have a harder time going potty when you chage over to solid food... their little bodies need to get use to the change. But yes, my kids got 3 "meals" a day... food first then milk & milk in between meals. When the got a little bigger (and had teeth) they would get 3 "meals" a day then a milk if the wanted it & 2 snacks w/ milk & milk in between. Which is kinda where they have stayed even at 6, 4 1/2 & 2 1/2... 3 meals, 2 snack & drinks when they need it... sometimes they do get 3 snacks if dinner isn't at it's usually time though.
Good luck on the switch over - take care & congratz on your little one!!
I have introduced pears and/or prunes early on with my kids so that if they get constipated from the other foods, I have something I know will help keep their bowels moving. Sweet potatoes are good, too, but the pears or prunes will almost certainly help.
I agree with the others about finding a different nurse. Babies should ALWAYS be given milk first (either formula or breastmilk) and solids, especially at 6 months, are a small supplement.
Updated
I have introduced pears and/or prunes early on with my kids so that if they get constipated from the other foods, I have something I know will help keep their bowels moving. Sweet potatoes are good, too, but the pears or prunes will almost certainly help.
I agree with the others about finding a different nurse. Babies should ALWAYS be given milk first (either formula or breastmilk) and solids, especially at 6 months, are a small supplement.
You need to find a different nurse practitioner because that one is off their rocker!
Breastmilk or formula is primary for the first year! Those come before any solids. Space out when he gets things. Solids would come between nursing sessions or a bottle. At 6.5 months they don't need much at all in the way of solids. It's really more for practice and a small supplement.
Here is a great site that has suggested "menus" based on age:
I have always heard nurse, then solids.
But real food will change look and feel of bowel movements.
My little guy had the same thing - he was obviously straining to poop after I introduced solids. I think his little body just needed some time to adjust to the solid food - he is 10 months old now and has much less trouble.
I give him some water with each meal, and when he seems constipated I try to give him a little more water, and I also give him prunes which seem to really help. As he is older, he is eating more solids so I try to give at least some fruit at every meal to help keep things moving.
You can make the texture of the oatmeal a little thinner, but I would try giving more water at the end of the meal, and offer some water between meals, too (not too much, just a few sips here and there should help to loosed things up). Also, try giving him a few spoonfulls of prunes or pears when you notice he needs it.
His body will eventually figure it out, and you should notice much less difficulty. Good Luck! (Also, when your Dr. says it's OK, you can introduce yogurt - the probiotics are good for their little tummies (only whole milk at first - and only if your Dr says so. I went with goat yogurt - I think it's less allergenic than cow milk, but again, go with what your Dr. says based upon your family history.)
good Luck!
You should always nurse first then offer food. Breastmilk is where babies should B. getting their nutrition from. Solids are given in the first year for them to learn and experiment with.
