Would you see the GP about constipation in a six-month-old?

[Pinkstuffs]

My DS just turned 6 months is having repeated episodes of constipation. Straining to go, getting very upset, when he does the stool is very thick and stodgy. He hasn’t actually started solids yet so I’m sure it’s not that. He is formula fed and never had issues with feeding before.

Would you see a gp for this? I’ve tried warm baths, using pre made formula, sips of water and they don’t seem to help.

Yes of course

Yes 100%! Adults go to their GP when they are constipated and treatment doesn't work. Children should be taken too.

I think I would try the pharmacy or the health visitor first just because they’re easier to get ahold of than an appointment with our gp

Mashed banana/other fruit and veg or watered down orange juice, he's old enough and then weetabix when he's on more solids. Better than medication surely🤷‍♀️
I'm old but had three who started on solids at 3 months (fruit puree & cereal initially) none were ever constipated ( I know before I get shouted at that not recommended now but all adults with no health issues). Honestly none of my boys would have lasted on milk til 6 months, they used to snatch food off my plate 🤣 I'm sure if you start weaning the constipation will resolve🥰

Go and see the doctor

Yes it could be due to allergies

@Pinkstuffs have you tried prune juice? Diluted 1:1 with boiled water and give instead of plain water. The pouches for babies of pureed prunes are good once you start weaning.

I only haven’t started weaning yet as we’ve been on holiday. He’s not that interested in food that we’re eating. Now I’m worried about starting it as it might make him worse! He gets incredibly distressed trying to go. I didn’t have this issue with my older DS.

Besides this he has only seen a gp once since he was born, for a cough, but they will always see him the same day.

Yes see the GP - untreated constipation can become a life long problem.
Most constipation is because of dehydration - make sure he is drinking enough fluids.

^ this. And no mashed bananas - they have the opposite effect to the one you want

GP might prescribe a stool softener like lactulose. Safe for babies but you need them to drink for it to work. I didn't fully appreciate when weaning started that I really needed to persuade my (combination fed) baby to drink when I offered food.

100% go to the doctor. If he were to end up with an impacted bowl it would be horrific, it maybe something that needs looking into further before he does start being weaned too....

My health visitor when my son was small said to give orange juice with pulp, not from concentrate mixed with water, between 30-50% oj to water depending how he tolerated it, but that was 25years ago!