I recently had to stop breastfeeding because of medication that I have been put on, so my baby is now on organic formula. I also started her on organic rice cereal about 1 week ago. Today her poop was super dark green and hard.. like little pellets. She also seems dehydrated because when she cries today she barely has any tears. I'm not sure why she would be dehydrated because the frequency of her feedings hasn't dropped since going on formula. Is it typical for formula fed babies to not be as hydrated? Does her constipation mean I should change formula or stop the rice cereal? I was wondering what I can do to help her and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)
Thank you so much for your responses! I have switched her to organic oatmeal cereal and am giving her prune juice. She's doing much better now :) Thanks again!
I had this issue, and my ped. told me to switch from rice (constipating) to oatmeal, and mix it with any juices starting with "p" (pear, pineapple, prune)- and it worked. I did also use glycerine tablets rectally a time or two (OTC- but cut into quarters)- and that also helped. Good luck!
Hi I had the same problem with my daughter. Our Doctor told us to use Karo Syrup... Just add a Tablespoon to the formula.. It really works good.
As she got older we would give her bottles of Soy milk which also worked.
My little grandson was constipated at 2 months of age. Dr. said to give prune juice diluted with water. He loved it and it worked. As for dehydration I don't have any suggestions.
Remember that a switch to cereal and formula is a big change to her system, so it will take some time for her body to adjust. I agree with letting her have some water throughout the day, just as much as she is interested in drinking. I usually let my 6 MO have water in her sippy cup to wash down her cereal and veggies. Plus it is a fun "game" to her. I also use the oatmeal cereal which she seems to prefer over the rice cereal even in taste.
There is so much iron in the formula and they add it to the rice cereal too. Try some prune juice in the bottle. I used it with both of my lacto-intolerant, formula-fed boys. I continue to use it if they appear to be having problems with constipation. Its natural and there's no risk of your baby's system becoming too reliant on the prune juice. Just a little at first, maybe a teaspoon and then adjust accordingly.
J.,
I totally agree with the rice cereal maybe being a poor choice if she is having a problem with it. Our son was the same way and we just put him on oatmeal and it was much better. I also think it takes awhile for babies who were breastfeed to get used to formula. Things just kinda get messed up in their system and have to adjust. I don't really understand the dehydration, so you may just want to give a call into your pediatricians office and ask for some advice. My oldest is 11 and my youngest is 3, and I still call them all the time asking what they think I should do in certain situations (gosh knows it has changed so much since my first time around.)
Hopefully this doesn't last. I know how hard it is for them.
J. B : )
The constipation is very normal when changing from breastfeeding to formula. Try giving an ounce of juice twice a day, whatever flavor you prefer. You could also give Pedialyte if you are concerned about dehydration. If the juice doesn't seem to help talk to your doctor about giving Milk of Magnesia, it is safe for kids and can be given daily at the right dosing for your baby's weight. I would talk to your doc about the dehydration concerns also and see how they feel about needing to change formulas etc, and be sure she is gaining an appropriate amount of weight.
are you giving her water? when babies are on formula, they should drink water, but i'm not sure how much. you may want to check with your pediatrician.
also, rice can make you constipated, so maybe you should switch her to oatmeal. when my daughter started solids, she got constipated, too, so i fed her lots and lots of prunes.
poor little baby! constipation is awful! good luck.
My daughters had this problem when they were on Enfamil. All we did was switch formula brands to Nestle Goodstart Supreme and the problems were solved. I also was told if they get dehydrated give them 2-3oz of water a day. I would call your daughter"s dr. what they say. Good luck!
Rice is a binder, so it will cause constipation. Also formula is extremely hard to digest, adn her body is going to have to work very hard to digest it compared to breastmilk, and it will be an adjustment for her. Formula poop will be green adn stinky, and harder than breastmilk poop.
Switch the baby cereal to oatmeal and you'll see a big difference. No more rice cereal.
