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What Causes Constipation In An Infant?

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Posted on Fri, 20 Feb 2015
Question: Dear dr,

My 10 weeks old baby did not pass motion for 4 days. He is feeding more on formula. He refused to drink water n I can see he is constipated when he tried clench his fist , face turned red kept passing gas . What can I do?

By the way, can he drink some glucose powder mixed with water? Thks a lot
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Try changing formula

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Formula fed babies do get constipated.
Which formula are you giving your baby currently?
There are few formulas like Similac and enfamil which result in softer stools especially Similac advanced.
It is better to change to this formula.
Do not give glucose water or sugar water.
All you can give to a 10 week old baby is breastfeeding or formula nothing else.
If constipation continues do check thyroid levels for the baby too as this can be one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Wishing your baby good health.

Regards

Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (3 days later)
Thks for reply.

Yup baby is currently on similac advance formula . These few weeks he had been passing motion every 4days. During this period he seemed irritable and his demand for feeding is not consistent.

Can I add more water to the formula ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes you can

Detailed Answer:
Yes you can add some more water.
But don't make it very dilute
Stools will normalise in a week or so.
Regards
Dr Arun
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1959 Questions

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What Causes Constipation In An Infant?

Brief Answer: Try changing formula Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. Formula fed babies do get constipated. Which formula are you giving your baby currently? There are few formulas like Similac and enfamil which result in softer stools especially Similac advanced. It is better to change to this formula. Do not give glucose water or sugar water. All you can give to a 10 week old baby is breastfeeding or formula nothing else. If constipation continues do check thyroid levels for the baby too as this can be one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Wishing your baby good health. Regards Dr Arun