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Constipation
My baby is 8 months old... I am giving him solid food for three times in a day along with breastmilk... His stool is hard and dry for several days... What should I do for his constipation??
Answers (4)
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This is common with dietary transitions and often improves with simple measures.
Try the changes mentioned below for 1-2 weeks, if there is no change consider stool softeners after advice from nearest Pediatrician.
Next Steps
Diet Modifications (if on solids): Increase high-fiber foods: mashed papaya, prunes, peaches, pears, and peas
Avoid constipating foods like bananas, applesauce, rice cereal, and carrots for now. Offer small sips of water (30–60 ml/day) in addition to breastmilk/formula
Encourage Fluids: Continue breastfeeding or formula regularly - Adequate hydration softens stools
Tummy Time & Leg Cycling: Regular tummy time
Gently move baby’s legs in a bicycle motion to promote bowel movement
Health Tips
Red flags:
Blood in stools
Severe straining or abdominal distension
No stool for more than 3–4 days despite dietary changes
Vomiting or poor feeding
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Mild constipation is common during weaning. Since your baby is 8 months old and on solids, hard stools may occur due to low fiber or fluid intake.
✅ What you can do:
Fluids: Increase water intake between feeds (2–4 small sips after each solid feed).
Diet tips:
Add mashed papaya, pear, prunes, banana, or steamed apple to the diet.
Avoid excessive rice cereal, biscuits, or dry foods.
Give oats/raagi/vegetable khichdi with ghee for softness.
Massage & leg cycling: Gentle abdominal massage and cycling movements of legs can help bowel movement.
Next Steps
If constipation continues beyond 3–4 days or baby is uncomfortable:
You may give Duphalac (Lactulose) syrup:
2.5 ml once or twice daily after food for 3–5 days.
(Under pediatric guidance)
Health Tips
Never use over-the-counter suppositories or strong laxatives without doctor advice.
Breastfeeding can continue as usual — it helps keep stools soft.
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Give syrup Duphalac 2.5ml daily twice for 2 days after food
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Dr. Noureen Sadaf
Pediatrician
3 yrs exp
Kota
Is he having trouble passing the stool? Because change in stool consistency is normal in the initial days plus how long has he been on solid food and what also affects it.
Next Steps
full history required for further assessment
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.