Former Exclusive Breastfed Baby Now Drinking Formula Question...

Hi M.,

Check if the food you are giving her is making her constipated? Keep a track of what you are feeding her and you should be able to see a pattern (rice cereal, banana, apple are general culprits). I would also definitely add water to the diet- up until now, breast milk provided enough water for her, but since she has weaned off, you should give her more water. Instead of giving formula after a meal, I would give water. It might be also be that you are feeding her too much? Try reducing the portions and see if that makes a difference. Also make sure she is active after a meal (make her stand, let her crawl/walk/cruise)- activity helps with digestion.

Final advice, try gripe water (make sure its without alcohol)- little remedies makes it. Its herbal -aids with digestion and is great for teething as well.

Good luck! I hope your little one feels better soon.

It sounds like she needs more liquid in her body for poops passing out. Try formula with less or no iron which cause constipation not only to babies/children but also to adults. If you found she has constipation quicker when you feed formula before solid food, it is because the liquid gets absorbed into her system leaving a little behind before soaking up by solid food. For feeding the opposite way, she would drink less formula. In that case, you feed her with less solid food before more formula milk with a little of water in between for hydrating her bowel. It is smart of you to feed her with baby prune juice as breakfast. Some babies digestive systems may not be ready for solid food even though they can chew and swallow.

Dear M.,

Have you tried giving her more water throughout the day. Does the formula have a lot of iron in it because that will attribute to constipation. What kind of cereal are you feeding her in the morning? Try to stay away from rice cereals and give her more cereals high in fiber. Maybe try some diluted prune juice throughout the day verses the jarred prunes just once a day. Put half water half prune juice it may work quicker and prevent her from blocking up each day. At 11 months old I started adding regular milk one ounce at a time to the formula until we were on whole milk completely by a year old. It could be the formula constipating her. If you add the milk gradually you will know if it is not agreeing with her. Lots of veggies and fruits should help. I am sorry your little girl is going through such a tough time. If it keeps up I would insist that your pediatrician maybe prescribe a stool softener to help her out until she becomes more regular.

Maybe add some other foods to her diet like black beans or garbanzo beans to promote bm? Anything rich with fiber. You might also give her prunes later in the day as well. Sorry to hear that her constipation is so painful. Good luck.

My daughter weaned off at about 1 year. Doctor had me put her straight onto milk. No formula. This may be worth asking your pediatrician about too. Good luck!