Dr. Greene’s Answer:
First, let’s address the iron in formula and constipation question. Some people will (or have) told you that the iron is the problem and that switching to a low-iron formula will help. It makes sense, because when adults take iron supplements, we get constipated as a side effect. But there was a study done concerning the formula and constipation question in babies. Half got low iron, half got regular–not knowing which was which–and the rate of constipation was the same in both groups. For most kids that does not make a difference, and the iron is very important for growing babies.
The constipation can be formula-related, though. Allergies to some of the proteins in the formula could cause the discomfort. Sometimes switching to another brand will help (the milk-based formulas are not all the same). Sometimes switching to soy will help. All other things being equal, soy makes stools firmer–but for kids with an isolated allergy to milk protein, the constipation may dramatically clear up on soy.
Still, about 20 percent of kids with a cow’s milk protein allergy will also have a soy allergy at that age, so if it doesn’t work you still will not know if this is formula related. Most allergies to milk and soy are outgrown as infants or toddlers.
I like your pediatrician’s suggestion of switching to Nutramigen. It is a hydrolysate formula, which means the proteins have already been chopped into building blocks so they are easier to digest and pretty impossible to be allergic to. If Nutramigen does not work, you will know that formula is not the issue.
Carnation Good Start is another good possibility. It is an example of milk-based formulas not all being the same. The milk proteins in Good Start are partially hydrolyzed, so it may be easier for some kids to digest, but it will not do the trick for a full-blown cow’s milk protein allergy.
If the formula is not the issue, there is a long list of rare causes that could be causing the constipation. Hirschsprung’s disease is probably the most important. This is where there are not enough nerve endings in the end of the colon to push stool out effectively.
Jennifer A
my daughter is 2 months old and is very constipated, the doctor has changed the formula twice and my daughter is still constipated. her stool is very hard and she is very fussy. what do i do? i don’t want to keep changing formulas because it seems like that isn’t the problem
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Cheryl Greene
Hi Jennifer,
So sorry to hear about your daughter’s constipation. Unfortunately, babies often have to try several formulas before you find one that they can tolerate. Typically a doctor will recommend formulas that are slightly different from the one she has been on. There are formulas that are much gentler, but they can get very expensive and often babies don’t like the taste. Doctors will only recommend those if the formulas that are easy to take are not working.
I hope that helps.
Best, @MsGreene
Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
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Maria B Alamillo
My son is alnost 10 months old and he has been dealing with contispation for over 2 months so when he was about 7 months, ive taken him to his pediatrician about 4 times, and all they have done is switch him to sensitive formula. He’s not eating the gerber, he was only doing homeade foods like boiled peas, squash and chicken but i took him off that and decided to give him formula so he doesn’t go through the pain. But i don’t know what to do anymore, ive done everything his pediatrician asked me to do and my poor baby is still struggling, he bleeds alot too. His poop well come out really hard and after really watery. I don’t know if this is normal. I need help.
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Kristen
My daughter is 8 months old she has been dealing with sever constipation since birth she has been on Enfamil, good start ,soy, elecare and many more formulas she has been tested for hershsprung disease but it came back normal and she still is having horrible problems going to the bath room she screamed and cries and turns red and gasp for air it’s do bad I’ve tried enemas Mera lax suppositories and everything but no luck she is so backed up its going to her large intestine what can I do to help her?
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Bubba
my son is 11 months old- exactly the same :( now we are trying nutramigen but he doesn’t like the taste. he also had procedure to rule out hurschprung went thru xrays and barium enema- result came out normal.
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Alyson
My 9mo old started formula approx. a month ago. Previous to that he was breastfed. Just recently we are experiencing the strain when he’s pooping, also outburst’s of screaming while going. Once it’s passed he is fine but he is in a lot of pain while going. He is eating normal foods and drinking a nice amount of water. Because of the recent switch to formula and the recent constipation I am thinking the two link? Any advice?
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Kelly
My 2 week old has been on The Honest Company Organic Formula since his first feeding in the hospital, today at pediatricians office he pooped and it had a little bright red blood, she said likely a strain, track bowel movements for three days and call, dark stool call asap…. she said could be straining, his bowel movement she said looks more dense than it should, and should be more watery, but I am not breast feeding. She also said could be milk protein allergy, but too soon to tell. He has no gas, no reflux, isn’t fussy, doesn’t scream, is pooping 2 to 3 times a day, so i’m just not sure, any advise? Of course blood in stool is a scary thing, but I don’t want to over react.
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Miche
My baby is 9 m.o old now. She is always experiencing constipation with her Organic milk. She cries every time she poo and is straining. She had lactose intolerance with her prev Milk at 7 months so the doctor decided to shift her to an organic milk to make the poo soft. First week was good and perfect but she experienced constipation every other day again. I cry every time she strains and cries. She is always constipated. What should I do? Please help. Thank you.
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Harminder brar
My 30month daughter is constipated after she started cows milk. Now I give her enfagrow but still she poo after two days. Poo is hard and like pebbles, some times small balls. Also she is not eating fruits….very fussy for eating. Water intake is good. Please give me some suggestions. Thanks
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