Weaning constipation

[BloomingSunflower]

DS (just turned 6months on Boxing Day) hasn’t been for a poo since Monday evening. Fairly normal for him (formula fed and has never pooed every day) but tried to go tonight and it was like clay consistency. Did suffer from constipation initially when started formula and was recommended to do 2 powder feeds to 1 readymade which we have continued. A little bit reluctant to go down the laxative route, but wondered if anyone had any tips to try before getting onto GP. Thanks!

Try natural laxatives

prune juice, apple juice, pear juice or purées
porridge
lentils
beans
scotch or chicken broth

and make sure babe is getting plenty of water to drink

Prune purée in everything normally works for mine! Yoghurt/ weetabix/ pancakes etc

Thank you! He’s had peach and pear puree yesterday, he went a little in the evening but it was like clay. We went to Tesco and got some emergency prune puree pouches to try this morning.
do you have to dilute juices?

Juice isn’t recommended for babies. Just water and milk at this age.

How often are you offering solids?

Once a day, currently pureeing fruits and vegetables. So far we’ve tried broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, carrot (not keen), courgette, peach, apple, pear and prunes as of this morning.

he has had a couple of bowel movements this morning, but still thicker and he’s definitely struggling to go more than usual.

Dd had the same issue. The health visitor thought it was down to not drinking enough and she was right. Dd struggled with plain water so we gave her incredibly weak sugar free squash . She drank that fine and the problem sorted itself out.

Once a day is fine but if he’s struggling it’s absolutely fine to skip a day or two to give him time to recover. Have you alao tried thibgs like no nappy time and tummy massage? Swimming usually helps too ot even putting them in a sling and going for a walk.

Update: the prune pouch worked 💩 . Had to throwaway his sleep suit and vest he was wearing! 🙈

I do think we haven’t been giving him enough water either, so going forward, definitely going to incorporate more fibre and water into his diet.

Oh yay! So satisfying when they go 😂

My DS now 1 year old has suffered with constipation since he was born. Sounds like you’ve had some good advice. Things I follow:

Lots of ‘P’ foods - prune, peaches, pears, peas, pumpkin etc.

Fibre - Oats and weetabix are good when you’re just starting weaning. Chia and Lentils are also great! My DS loves lentils and find they always make him do a big 💩 but ensure to drink water with foods high in fibre or combine with juicy fruit (peaches, watermelon, mandarins, oranges, berries).

Increase water intake - my HV said as he’s formula fed he can be offered water between meals rather than just at meal times.

Avoid binding foods - bananas, yoghurt, eggs and cheese. A little is fine for calcium etc

supportive measures - bicycle legs, warm baths, tummy massage etc.

Hope your DS doesn’t suffer too much. We have ended up on laxatives only because the above measures are not always enough for him but without following he is much worse.

On balance to ease constipation it’s better than laxatives