6mo has a cold, no dirty nappies for 4 days

[Sunrise888]

6mo has had a bad cold (first one) since Friday, get on Sunday, GP checkup on Monday, all fine. He's not fed as much (mostly formula fed with a little bit of breastfeeding, about 80% of what's normal, not weaning yet) so he has fewer wet nappies. He hasn't had any dirty nappies since Sunday though which worries me - he normally has 1-2 a day. I know it's quite normal but I could really use some advice/reassurance. I'm sure it'll come but worried it will be hard and painful when it does. We've tried baby massage, the bouncer, will take him for a drive later. Just waiting for a call back from the GP now - I guess they'll prescribe a laxative. Is there anything else we can do?

He's a little more unsettled than usual btw but doesn't appear to be in any pain.

*fever on Sunday

My ds had similar at that age. He didn’t pop for 9 days. Gp was in no way concerned and didn’t prescribe anything.

And it wasn’t hard or painful when it did come - just an absolute tidal wave of horror.

DS didn't poop for 4 days when he was on antibiotics. When it did come it was an explosion so be prepared. He didn't need laxatives just happened on his own.

Yikes, ok thanks. Our health visitor said water might help. He's not weaning yet. Not sure how much to start with.

could you try upping the amount of breast milk he’s having? That might speed things along. I remember we gave ds fybogel in a bottle once a day after about day 5. Check with your HV first though obviously.

I know it’s worrying (I’d be frantic if I hadn’t pooed for that long!) but if he’s happy and not in pain it should be fine.

DD was nearer one but she didn't poo for a week. We were prescribed Lactulose. I was told by the Dr it's completely safe to use every day if needed. I don't know about for a 6mo though, I would check with Dr before giving anything.
I can't remember the quantities but if they have something like 40% of their usual milk allowance then they won't get dehydrated/ more ill. Again, check the number with the Dr.
Water - if you haven't started weaning then give cooled boiled water. I would make 2oz in a bottle, try and give in between feeds so that he doesn't drink water instead of milk. BF is preferable to FF in this instance if you can manage that.

Well, having consulted the GP, health visitor, mumsnet, picked up a laxative prescription and prepared 2oz of cooled boiled water, baby decided he'd let mummy run around enough and decided to let it all out. 💩 😀What a mess! Thanks all for your reassurance and advice!