How can I tell if my baby;s constipated?

My breastfed babies just started solids and it's going great except for the fact that my son hasn't pooped in two days. I know it's normal for some babies to go several days without pooping but prior to starting solids (we started with bananas) he's been fairly regular. He doesn't seem to be behaving any differently and I don't detect any "straining" or physical discomfort, solid excrement residue or anything else that would lead me to believe he's having trouble...just the lack of poop. How do I know when he's actually constipated? What signs should I watch for? Thanks!

 

I would think he is fine unless you notice him seeming to be uncomfortable and crying/fussing more often. Its probably just because his body is transitioning from a strictly milk diet to one with solid foods.

Our DD used to get constipated quite often and she made in VERY clear to us that she was uncomfortable. If you have ever been constipated then you must know how uncomfortable it really is and babies are generally very expressive when they are uncomfortable. So I think he is probably just fine but if it lasts much longer or he seems to be getting uncomfortable then by all means call the pedi and ask what they think you should do.

 

The best way to tell is if they start pooping pebbles. Until then it's hard to tell if he's just getting used to the solids. As he gets older you'll know. Like Sean is plugged up right now, I just fed him a baby sized handful of raisins (or Magical Poop Pills as they are known around here.)

 

My DD#1 did the same thing when starting solids, think the longest she went was 2 days and then.. OMG :icon_eek:
TMI let's just say I needed a big box of wipes.

Alyson

 

If it's hard or he is straining than he is constipated. Bananas are a binder though, so his system is getting use to solids but also he is getting a binding food, don't stay on the bananas for too long, do the 2-3 day test for allergies and then move to one of the "p" foods (peaches, pears, prunes - but in moderation or you will have a pooping machine if given too many prunes)

I was giving my son for his constipation apple prune juice diluted with water, usually 1oz did the trick. (apples are also a binder, but mixed with the prunes worked for us, he doesn't like straight apple or white grape, but he would suck the apple prune down with no problem)

 

Thanks everyone! We're on peaches now but still no poop from my little guy...so I guess prunes are next. Yikes, I'd better get the Oxyclean, wipes, and bath water ready!

I can't believe how stressed I am about someone else's poop (or lack thereof). I guess that falls into the category of "you know you're a Mommy when..."

 

Hi,

my son Cole didn't poop for 10 days when we moved to solids -- it was crazy -- he was never uncomfortable though, and a glycerine suppository did the trick. Once he got past the first few poops, he got regular again --

I think the breast milk gets pretty well absorbed and their systems need to learn how to move solids through the colon, etc.

Good luck -- give them prunes or prune juice.

Teri

 

My guys both are nursed and got constipated when we first started solids too, at 5 months ... I gave them apple juice with about a tsp of mineral oil in it and OH MAN ... I then held off on solids til 6 months and haven't had a constipation problem since.