Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

My 5 month old just started solids about two weeks ago....we started him on the rice cereal first, then progressed to oatmeal and then started fruits....first applesauce, just finished with pears and started peaches today. I don't have him on any cereals at the moment because he may have had a reaction to the oatmeal and I want to make sure that it wasn't some thing else. I don't want him eating rice because of the constipation factor. He seemed to do fine with the fruits and going number 2. He typically goes every day or every other day. He didn't go yesterday and today he's been straining all day. This morning (sorry TMI) he went a hard poop ball....definitely not his norm. I fed him peaches and gave him his bottle (which he's never had a problem with the Gentlease formula) and he's been straining so hard to go. I actually see poop on his little bottom but it's almost like it is stuck. I'm a new Mommy and am at a loss. I've suffered with this issue all of my life and I don't want him going through this....but for me I know how to treat myself. I really don't know what to do for my little guy. Does any one have suggestions.....would you call the Pediatrician...it's really only been a day but I definitely know he's constipated! I also don't want to be a pest....though I know they get paid nice money. How do you handle constipation in an infant? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Re: Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

I would not call the ped just yet. I would give prunes and also I would try a thermometer tip in his bottom. Put vaseline on the tip then insert just a little bit and not to far just to stimulate him. He might poop right away so be prepared. It does not hurt them and it def. helps them. I had to do it for dd when she was little. I would do that wait a little bit then try again.

You could also do bicycle legs, and rub his belly below the belly button and Also squeeze his butt cheeks together to stimulate him.
I know htese sound awful and but they do work.

I you tubed baby yoga (I can't remember exactly the term I used) or something and watched a video on what this woman did and it helped.

Re: Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

When DD has trouble going (which, to be honest, is only when we load her up on rice cereal and bananas from when she was going too much!), we just add some prune to her foods.

Re: Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

Re: Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

Thank you girls soooooo much for your responses......he finally went after many bicycle kicks and tummy massages.....poor guy was sooo incomfortable all day. I had my husband go out this evening to buy the prunes and apple/prune juice just in case. Hopefully we don't have to use them any time soon. I appreciate your help and suggestions

Re: Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

This would happen with my daughter. she would scream and bleed when she went. it was horrible. I got rid of any bingin foods in her diet and eventually had to put her on Miralax. It was the only thing that worked.

Re: Constipation in 5 month old....maybe TMI

When DS was on soy formula he was always constipated (which is why we switched back to milk based) the dr told us to have him take 2 oz of prune juice mixed with 2 or 3 oz of water. Also suggested some brown sugar mixed in water.

If ds was REALLY in pain I would put some vaseline on the therm. and put it in his but until he pooped. It works.