My almost 7 month old daughter is constipated. Her last real bowel movement was eight days ago. What should I do?

Question

Since yesterday evening, she forces a lot, but only manages to make small hard stools which remain stuck and this, at the price of many cries of pain. I've been giving her prunes since yesterday and I'm trying to give her water and breastfeed her more often, but it doesn't seem to be enough. Is there anything I can give her to ease her pain/soften her stool? She has been eating since she was 6 months old and we are doing child led dietary diversification (CDD). She eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, but it's hard to know how much. She doesn't take a bottle or anything other than the breast either.

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, Here's what we'll do for now: Increase the frequency of drinking to aim for at least one drink every 3 hours, day and night. Try to give him more fluids such as giving water in small amounts during meals. It is also suggested to stimulate baby's tummy with massages (clockwise) and by lying him on his back to make him "cycle" with his legs. If all these tricks do not bring the desired effect in 2 or 3 days, then you can try a laxative while waiting for an appointment with the doctor. We now know that PEG laxatives (e.g. Relaxa®, Lax-A-Day®) can be used for several months without risk in children. However, it should only be used over a long period of time if recommended by a doctor to avoid hiding a more serious problem in the child. Happy day :) Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist