Have I started weaning my month early born baby too soon? Severe Constipation

[Roopachoo]

LO was born at 36 weeks, and I know this is not hugely early, but since starting solids on Sunday (a few days away from 6 months) he didn't poo until today (Thursday). He usually fills his nappy every morning.

It was awful to watch him today, he was in so much pain. It was like he was giving birth watching that poo come out. It was huge, solid, and so so dry. I've only given him sweet potato, avocado and pear, and he is breast fed.

I'm worried he's not ready despite not getting enough of the food I've given him. He can't sit unaided yet and is kind of propped up in the bumbo. I'm thinking to hold off for another month... any advice/similar experiences out there??

I have come on to ask a very similar question regarding my 6.5mo who we have weaned gradually and is now on 3 'meals' a day.

He has just started producing poo that are really dry and round like adult poo (kind of). Previously was fine, like yours really straining when doing it and going bright red poor little thing! He seems to have lost interest with bf now which is hard work, desperately trying to get him to drink but will only do it for very short bursts.

I will watch with interest.

Sweet potato can cause constipation, so maybe stick with more watery fruit like the pear, or veg such as carrot. Banana can also cause constipation so avoid that one too.

I don't know how much you've been offering and how frequently but maybe scale it back a little for a while. It's really common for babies to get a bit constipated when first weaning, so don't beat yourself up over it.

If you're not already, you could also offer water with food - from a free flow cup. A little bit of water with food could help ease the constipation.

Avoiding Banana may be our solution. :) thanks

Mine had this too but tbh I just assumed it was normal.

The way I see it up until now they've had a liquid diet which produces soft poo and this is obviously easier to push out but now they are on drier, harder foods the poo will take on this form too (very clever, shape shifting poo in my mind haha) which is obviously harder to push out and let's face it regardless of consistency babies like to make a fuss about pooing :o

I'd say give it a week and if he's still the same speak to your HV.

If they are still having a bit of a problem by the time you are on 3 meals a day then I recommend stewed prunes or apricots on breakfast cereal. Dd1 didn't suffer too badly but this always kept her very regular!

Squatter, babies and their poo, what a palava! It was surprising seeing such a solid thing exit his bum after the countless mornings of liquid poo explosions up the back.

My eldest still has poo issues Superchop, so no rice and bananas in this household. Will try the stewed apricot and prunes Toowitt.

ExBell- I did think the sweet pot might be quite bulky as a carb... I'm going to wait a few days for the poo to clear his system and become runny again before starting again.

Problem is he will keep on eating if I keep shovelling purée into his mouth. I know that at this stage it's about getting a taste rather than getting full. How much is everyone else giving their 6 month olds?

BLW didn't go well with DC1 so reluctant to go down that route again, but maybe a better option with DC2 so he doesn't get too full. I gave him a steamed carrot today but nothing went in. Maybe something mushier like avocado??