I think my 12 month old is constipated - what to do??

[daisydora]

My DS is 1 next week.

He hasn't had a proper poo now for about 4 days. Yesterday and today he will suddenly scream out, and sure enough there is a tiny amount of hard poo in his nappy.

I am trying to get as much fruit and veg down him as I can, he's currently attempting to eat a pear. He isn't good at drinking water, he can but stops after a few sips. So I have 'syringed' a few viles of fresh OJ into him and some water, but he has now got bored of that game.

Anything else to try?? I hate seeing him in pain and want to avoid the Dr's is possible.

I really would take him to the doctors. My DD has suffered with constipation since about six/seven months and is now 3.6. Four days is a long, long time for a little one.

The doctor will probably initially prescribe something called Lactulose which works to soften the stool and is not absorbed by the body at all.

The last thing he needs is to develop a blockage because that is very painful.

DD's current regime of meds if Movicol pediatric every day, plus senna if she has not been that day. If she does not go for three days she gets the joy of a suppository

You could go to GP and get lactulose, my dd1 used to practically live on the stuff. But in the meantime have you tried giving him prunes? My dds love them, especially the ones with the stones in the middle which are softer and stickier (the pitted ones seem to be a bit drier). Or there is a baby prune porridge you can buy, too, which does the trick sometimes.

Otherwise orange juice is a v good idea so keep trying that.

Don't give bananas or carrots, as they can bung them up. I was recently told that eggs and dairy can do the same, too.

BTW in case you are worried by the idea of lactulose, you should know that it is just an indigestible form of sugar. So not a worrying medication.

Have recently started giving him cows milk here and there (he usually only has milk at bedtime) and wondered if the change may have caused it as his diet hasn't really changed.

Will phone GP in morning. I'm used to his big messy slops up his vest even after all this time!!!

It sould be the milk. DD's constipation started when we weaned her on to solids. At ten months she was diagnosed with being milk protein intollerant which may have contrbuted to the constipation. That being said, she was given the all clear for dairy a year later and still has constipation issues...

Sorry not much use, am just trying to give you my experiences in the hope that they'll provide some ideas for you.

Thanks lilredWG, its a long time to go without a proper poo. I would be feeling very bloated so he must feel bad.

Thanks aranea too! I do wonder now if it is the change to cows milk upsetting him....

He's had it at breakfast for a good few months but not as a drink iyswim. Will mention it when i see the Dr.

Let us know how he gets on and any poo related question - there are dozens if not hundreds of us on MN who have been there.

yes, my ds constipation was also caused by dairy, maybe limit it to once a day

pineapple juice is brilliant too as its a natural laxative

Took DS to the GP this morning who has prescribed some lactulose to get him going again.

Poor little man was in a lot of pain last night trying to poo. Hopefullyy this will sort him out.

Thanks again for all the tips and advice. Hope I can use them to stop it happening again.

it will take up to 2-3 days to get him going so dont expect it to work immediately,but give him lots to drink to help it along

I second Alypaly - lots of fluids. Good luck.