I was just curious if anyone sneaks a sprinkle of metamucil or benefiber into thier kids' food, and at what age is it safe? I know there are lots of regular foods that "keep things moving", but my munchkins' favorite foods right now are ones that clog them up (esp. bananas and cheese). I was wondering if it would be safe to put a sprinkle of something in thier morning oatmeal. (diclaimer: I know you're not doctors, and this is probably a doctor question--but just looking for your experiences!)
QUOTE(JessicaD @ May 7 2008, 12:32 PM) [snapback]760702[/snapback] I was just curious if anyone sneaks a sprinkle of metamucil or benefiber into thier kids' food, and at what age is it safe? I know there are lots of regular foods that "keep things moving", but my munchkins' favorite foods right now are ones that clog them up (esp. bananas and cheese). I was wondering if it would be safe to put a sprinkle of something in thier morning oatmeal. (diclaimer: I know you're not doctors, and this is probably a doctor question--but just looking for your experiences!) My daughter has suffered from chronic constipation since she was 9 months old. I started adding Benefiber to her juice when she was about 15 months old. She gets 1 tablespoon a day. Her pediatric gastroenterologist has no problems with me giving it to her at all. Good luck! Amy
I sprinkle in the oatmeal should be fine. You also might want to try wheat germ. Our doctor suggested it when Bea was having problems, and it really works. I mix in a couple spoonfuls in yogurt.
I used Kelly's wheat germ suggestion when Sarah was eating yogurt for breakfast every day. She was always constipated! I think the wheat germ did help. We had stopped doing it because she went off yogurt, but they both still eat oatmeal and cream of wheat, so I might start adding it again. She is still always constipated, and still doesn't eat much except dairy products and white carbs.
I actually talked to DS1 doctor about this yesterday. She said it would be fine to give him 1t. a day. We have also changed his diet a little. I found this website for some hints. Cari
I asked my pediatrician about this last week (15 mo. appointment). He said 1/2 teaspoon of benefiber twice a day was fine. I have been adding 1/2-1 teaspoon to Sarah's morning milk sippy, and it has worked like a charm. I would like to have it all be dietary changes, but they have been fussy eaters lately. She really likes black bean enchiladas (!) Amy's frozen dinner brand (mainly wheat free and organic), so that helps, but I can't give that to her every day! Cate eats a lot of fruit & berries, so doesn't have the same problem. Her personality is also not as type A as her sister. I also heard wheat germ helps. I've bought some, but can't figure out what to sprinkle it on because she no longer eats yoghurt, oatmeal or cereal... maybe I'll throw it on some mac n cheese! I try to give them mainly whole wheat & cut down on their milk & cheese intake. Oh, I forgot to say that they make children's benefiber, so that is what I use.
