Trouble Using the Restroom?

Hi A.,

First of all, don't give her Karo syrup. It usually works for constipation but it is just like honey as it sometimes has botulism spores that a baby (under 2 years old) cannot tolerate. I don't mean to scare you, but it can be fatal.

To a solution, it's hard because she doesn't have enough water. Formula, even breastmilk, isn't always enough water for an infant. If she won't drink it straight, you can add a little sugar. (I don't like refined sugars but in this case, she really needs the water.)

Prune juice, straight, can be given any time to push things through. It will soften the stool also. It is actually good for a baby as it has fiber that is healthy for her digestive tract. It's also terribly sweet tasting so babies usually like it. (Don't worry about her getting too much sugar as it is a complex sugar because of the fiber.) The only problem with it is it will stain if she dribbles... so make sure she's got her bib on :)

God bless!

M.

Don't use kero, the kero syrup company has actully said NOT to give it to babies for constipation.

this is from the Karo website
We are aware that some health care professionals suggest feeding Karo syrup to infants in a formula or for relief of constipation. Because corn syrup, like many other foods is not a sterile product, there is a remote possibility that it may contain C. botulinum spores.

These spores are common in the environment and generally not harmful to older children and adults. In fact, in the FDA study conducted in 1991, corn syrup and other syrups are not identified as food sources of C. botulinum spores for infants.

However, because Karo is not specifically intended for infant feeding, we suggest you consult your pediatrician for advice.

instead try useing a white grape or apple juice , prune if you HAVE to but the other two are less harsh.For my kids Blueberrys are instant draino.

I agree with the others! Do not use the Karo anymore, it is fatal! Dont ever give honey to an infant under 1 yr too, they have the same effect. Dont feel bad about this, we have ALL done things as mothers that we just didnt know any better about! I would suggest a half and half mixture of apple juice and spring or purified water. It sounds like she is dehydrated and lacking fiber. You can also try applesauce to help get her moving. Best of luck!

Sounds like you need Kid-E-Reg found at www.herbsfirst.com. Poor thing! Is she using formula...that's pretty normal with cow's milk-type formulas.

along with the prune juice suggestion, you could get supppositories at the drug store (this is what the doctor recommended for me to use with my son) to help. It isn't the most glamorous way to go about it but it really helps in the moment when you realize she is trying but can't. You hold the suppository in place (keeping the diaper under her tooshy) until it has disolved a little and you see her start to be able to push out. When I saw my son pushing I would pull the suppository out and cover the diaper over him until he was done. I found rubbing his belly helped make him feel better too (he is 3 and still asks me to rub his belly when he has to poo)

Try Mineral Oil instead of Karo Syrup. I have found that works much better, but I would use maybe just 1/2 teaspoon to start. All it does is provides lubrication-it will not hurt her tummy at all. You will probably need to mix it in a bottle though b/c it is oil and not very tasty.