Karo Syrup or Milk of Magnesia for constipation??

What have you used? What worked? And how much did you give them? Our pedi says either is fine and will work. But I'd like to pick one and avoid once again treating my poor babies like a science experiment.

Thanks!
Laura

 

I used a teaspoon of Karo Syrup in their bottles a few times a day and that helped. But I will tell you what TRULY works: taking their temp rectally. I know some people don't like taking a rectal temp, but it doesn't bother me. I just finished nursing school and when I was doing my Peds clinical rotation that is what they would do in the NICU for babies that were a little consitpated. With my girls, it works like a charm!! Now that they are eating solids I just make sure to feed them prunes every other day or so to keep them "regular". They actually love the prunes!!

 

our pedi told us that there was a bacteria in Karo Syrup and not to use it. But my mom and sister used it and nothing happen to her kids or me so I don't know.

 

Using the thermometer rectally. Cover the tip with a little vaseline and insert in the rectum and turn slowly 360 degrees once. Somehow it seems to loosen things up. My younger girl has always had trouble with constipation until our ped said we could give a little watered down pear juice at 4 months. Both helped alot.

Samantha born December 31, 2005
Emily born December 31, 2005

 

My boys have always been constipated. We did both pprune juice and extra water and neither worked. A couple times I had to use glycerin suppositories (after the ped. telling me to). Just recently, the boys have been taking mineral oil daily. It is called Kondremul. It is not the clear kind; it is white. They have not had any trouble since they have been taking it. You would definately have to ask your ped. what he thinks and how much to give.

 

I use a lightly Vaselined Q tip. Insert it gently and lightly run it around the sphincter muscle while the knees are to the chest. That works every time for us.

 

I put prune juice in their milk. It worked well.

 

Karo syrup is a lot like honey...none until after they are at least a year old- cause it is not always pasturized, etc. to make sure all the bacteria are out.
My pedi told me that stuff like MofM, etc. can actually cause diarrhea...ummm, I think I would rather have a bit of constipation than the runs.

What about some apple juice or prune juice? I never had to take a rectal because of constipation, but when I did have to take it twice for temps...WOW!!!...seems like it would work for me. Also, warm water baths...
I think I would try a few other things before I would try Karo or MofM.

 

I always used Karo Syrup.. and it always worked for us... when they got older, around 5-6 months I used Prune Juice (diluted) and that worked pretty well also.

 

We were also told not to give them karo!!! we were told to use the thermometer to stimulate them!!

 

My ped at four months (2 months adjusted) said 2 oz. of apple juice not diluted. Seems to really do the job for my girls. The karo didn't work and mine hate the taste of prune juice.