Notes from a Real Mom: Infant Constipation
A constipated baby on a liquid diet is no small feat. The iron in formula can cause the usual liquid poop to become more clay-like and hard for a baby to pass. In my vast formula feeding experience, which is rather extensive, there are two ways to deal with constipation in infants:
1. Dilute the formula. The iron in formula gives poop the lovely green color and can thicken it up. If you add a bit of extra water to each bottle, say a quarter of an ounce, it may be all that’s needed to keep things running smoothly.
2. Slip them some juice. Apple juice and prune juice are both great for loosing up the bowels, but apple tastes better (a personal preference.) Adding a half an ounce or so of juice to a single bottle should help soften things up.
If neither method is working after a couple of days, contact your doctor. Also, it’s normal for a formula fed baby to go a day or two without pooping and a breastfed baby can go three or four before there is cause for concern. If you’re worried, talk to your doctor. I’m not an expert; I’m just an experienced mom.
