The Dark Truth About Baby Laxatives

Are baby laxatives sweet? The answer is: it depends. Laxatives for babies and children come in many forms and flavours. While some laxatives are designed to be chewable, mixed into drinks, or given as suppositories, others are naturally sweet, like prune juice. However, it's important to note that laxatives are not recommended for babies who have not been weaned, and parents should always consult a medical professional before administering any laxative to their child.

Baby laxatives should only be given after consulting a doctor

Baby Laxatives: Consult a Doctor Before Administration

Baby laxatives are medications used to treat constipation in infants and young children. While they can provide relief, it is imperative to consult a doctor before administering any laxative to a baby. This is because not all laxatives are suitable for everyone, and a doctor can advise on the most appropriate course of treatment.

Laxatives are available in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, enemas, and suppositories. While they are generally safe for most people, certain medical conditions or other factors may make specific types of laxatives more suitable for some individuals than others.

For instance, individuals with bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis should consult a doctor before using laxatives, as certain types may be recommended or discouraged. Similarly, those with heart conditions, obstructions in the digestive system, difficulty swallowing, or lactose intolerance should also seek medical advice first.

For babies who have not yet been weaned and are experiencing constipation, it is recommended to try alternative methods to alleviate the issue. Offering extra water between feeds, gently massaging their tummy, and moving their legs in a cycling motion can help relieve constipation.

If the baby has started eating solid foods, it is important to ensure they are consuming plenty of water or diluted fruit juice and have an adequate intake of fibre in their diet. If constipation persists, a doctor may then recommend or prescribe a suitable laxative.

If a doctor advises the use of a laxative for a baby, they will recommend or prescribe a specific type and dosage suitable for the baby's needs. Some types of laxatives that may be considered safe for babies include:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: These work similarly to dietary fibre by increasing fibre intake and adding bulk to stools, making it easier to pass them. Examples include psyllium (Metamucil) and methylcellulose (Citrucel).
• Stool softener laxatives: These types of laxatives cause water and fats to penetrate the stools, encouraging faster movement through the gastrointestinal tract. Docusate sodium (Colace) is a commonly recommended stool softener.
• Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the intestinal wall lining to speed up bowel movements. Senna (Senokot) and Bisacodyl (Correctol) are considered safe for babies in small doses.
• Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives soften stools by drawing fluid into the gastrointestinal tract. Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and polyethylene glycol (Miralax) are examples of osmotic laxatives.

Baby laxatives are not recommended for babies who are not weaned

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. While most people can use laxatives, they are not recommended for babies who have not been weaned. Before giving your baby or child a laxative, it is important to check with a doctor or healthcare professional.

If your baby has not been weaned and is constipated, there are some alternative methods you can try. Firstly, try giving them extra water in between feeds. Ensuring your baby stays hydrated can help with constipation. Additionally, gently massaging their tummy and moving their legs in a cycling motion may provide relief.

Babies who are eating solid foods may be able to use laxatives, but it is crucial to consult a doctor or healthcare professional first. They will be able to advise on the suitability of laxatives and recommend or prescribe specific types if needed. It is important to ensure that babies who are consuming solid foods also drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice and have adequate fibre in their diet.

While laxatives can be beneficial for constipation, they should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially when it comes to babies and young children.

Breastfed babies rarely get constipated

It is rare for breastfed babies to get constipated, and this is mostly because breast milk is easy for babies to digest. In fact, it is considered a natural laxative. However, this does not mean that breastfed babies cannot get constipated.

The frequency of bowel movements is not always an accurate indication of constipation. Many babies look like they are pushing when they are having a bowel movement. This may be because they use their abdominal muscles to help them pass stool, and they also spend a lot of time on their backs, which means they have to work a little more to move their bowels.

Better indications of constipation in a breastfed baby include a firm, tight, distended belly, hard, pebble-like stools, crying while having a bowel movement, and a bloody stool that is hard (which may be caused by hard stool tearing some of the anal tissue as it passes).

For the most part, breastfed babies don't experience constipation until solid foods are introduced, usually around the time they are 6 months old. Some foods that may cause constipation include rice cereal, cow's milk, and bananas. A low-fibre diet may also be a contributing factor.

If your baby is bottle-fed, try giving them extra water between feeds. If your baby is on solids, make sure they are getting enough fibre. Apples, pears, and prunes are particularly good for constipation.

If your baby is still constipated, speak to your doctor. They may prescribe a laxative or recommend other treatments.

Formula-fed babies may have up to four bowel movements a day

Formula-fed babies typically have poop that is browner and firmer than breastfed babies. Their poop is also a bit more pungent. This is because formula is thicker and has larger proteins that are harder to digest. Breast milk, on the other hand, is considered a natural laxative.

There is no magic number for how many bowel movements formula-fed babies should have in a day. Every baby is different, and their bowel movements are individual. However, here is a general guide:

• Newborns: At least once or twice a day. Some may have a bowel movement after every feeding.
• One or two-month-old babies: At least once a day, sometimes every other day.
• Babies starting solid foods: It is common for them to have around two poops a day.

• Infrequent or less common bowel movements.
• Hard bowel movements that can appear like pellets, rocks, or hard balls.
• Blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping.
• Pain while passing bowel movements — for a baby who can’t communicate with words, this may appear as an arched back, a red face, and crying.
• Lack of interest in food.

It is important to remember that constipation isn’t just about how frequently your baby is pooping, but also about how hard it is for them to do so. If your baby is pooping every other day but is straining and crying while passing hard poop, they may be constipated.

How to relieve constipation in formula-fed babies

For older babies, you can consider a dietary change. Offer them a small amount of 100% apple, prune, or pear juice diluted with water. These juices include sorbitol, a type of sugar that acts like a laxative and may help with constipation. Extra water can also soften their poop. Always check with your doctor first for their recommendations on the amount and types of liquids.

If your baby is already eating solids, you may want to offer them fibre-filled options like peas and prunes. You can also consider baby cereals with whole wheat or barley instead of rice, as they include more fibre.

For younger babies, you can try bicycle kicks, infant massage, or a warm bath. Bicycle kicks involve gently bending your baby’s legs toward their chest or circling their legs in a gentle bicycling motion. Infant massage involves massaging their stomach and having skin-to-skin time, which may improve their digestive system. A warm bath can help your baby’s muscles relax and allow poop to pass.

If these remedies aren’t working, consult your doctor. It is not recommended to use mineral oil, stimulant laxatives, or enemas to solve constipation in infants.

Solid foods can cause constipation

Solid foods can definitely cause constipation in babies, and it's a common challenge when starting solids. As your baby's digestive system gets used to solid foods, constipation may occur as a side effect. It's important to monitor your baby's diaper as their poop will naturally change when their diet changes.

• Straining more than usual when trying to poop
• Looks painful or difficult to poop
• Small, pellet-like poops
• Fewer stools than their usual pattern
• Swollen abdomen/belly
• Decrease in appetite

If you notice any of these signs, there are several ways to prevent and relieve constipation:

• Focus on hydration: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated by offering enough breastmilk or formula. You can also introduce small amounts of water (about 1 to 2 ounces) at mealtimes, but water should not replace breastmilk or formula as the primary liquid in their diet.
• Increase fibre intake: Offer your baby foods with fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some good options include oatmeal, avocado, berries, and sweet potatoes.
• Encourage physical activity: Physical activity helps stimulate the bowels. Allow your baby to move around freely, play on a playmat, or use an activity table. You can also gently massage their tummy or help them by bicycling their legs.
• Offer "P fruits": Pears, prunes, plums, and peaches are especially helpful in relieving constipation.
• Limit iron-fortified foods: While important for your baby's nutrition, iron can cause constipation.

If you are concerned about your baby's constipation or if it does not improve after trying these methods, be sure to consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider for further guidance.

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