Constipated Baby

[babyminier]

So, my little boy is five weeks old and for the past week he has had very hard stools that give him a lot of grief to pass. He is formula fed, but the formula he has never use to give him any trouble as he's been on this formula for three to four weeks. He still has his usual appitie and is gaining weight. Should I call his doctor to have him checked out sooner than his  appointment next week or is there something that could saftely help to soften his stools once again? As his stools use toalways be a ppeanut butter consistency and lately he has also been getting really bad gas bubbles randomly that sometimes will wake him up from his sleep to where he's crying and sceaming...bouncing him and rubbing his belly seem to sort of help with the bubbles but is there anything I can do to help ease the uncomfortableness and pain I'm sure he's feeling?

[babyminier]

Thanks for the advice guys! He had his appointment and his dorctor recommended giving him a half ounce of pear juice once a day and it has worked wonders to help soften his stool!

[lucie27]

Glad it's all sorted. I wouldn't add extra water to formula as it's all done precisely so that it gives the correct nutritional values. If you want to give him some water give it in between a feed x

[lyshabob]

maybe add a tad extra water to his formula. I have heard of this for constipation. As far as gas goes my best advice is to make sure you burp him very well after each feeding

[katrod1984]

Have you tried laying him on his back, holding his feet and pushing his knees up towards his chest? That's supposed to help when baby is trying to go but can't.
I'm in Australia and have seen Coloxyl for babies at the chemist - not sure where you are or what age you can use it from.
I also have a friend whose baby son had the same problem and the Dr told her to put some prunes in boiling water and leave to soak overnight, then let him drink some of the 'juice'. Prunes are great for helping adults with constipation but obviously can't be fed to babies which is why she told her to give him the juice. I would probably check with the Dr before doing this though, just in case. Good luck, hope you're able to ease his discomfort :)