Digestion FAQs

Archived Digestion FAQ's

• My daughter is 5 months old and has been having diarrhea for the past one week. Could it be teething? NEW!
  
• My 5 month old has been on rice formula since she was 4 months old. Due to the rice formula causing constipation, she is also on diluted prune juice every few days. My doctor suggested skipping the rice cereal altogether due to the constipation. Should I try a different grain? NEW!
  

My daughter is 5 months old and has been having diarrhea for the past one week. Could it be teething. She has no temperature and has been feeding well. I am now worried.

Although this is a common belief, very few pediatricians believe that teething causes diarrhea (or coughs or colds or fevers). One can see how such beliefs come to be, however. Since there are 20 new teeth in the first 2-3 yrs of life and also about 10-16 illnesses, there will be times, by coincidence only, that a new tooth occurs during an illness. Since teething isn't the cause of your child's teething, what is? There are many, many causes. It may be just a stomach virus (sometimes these can give diarrhea for over a week; but if so, your child should have a normal appetite and act healthy). For long-lasting diarrhea, especially if there is a poor appetite or no weight gain, ask you pediatrician.
 

My 5 month old has been on rice formula since she was 4 months old. Due to the rice formula causing constipation, she is also on diluted prune juice every few days. My doctor suggested skipping the rice cereal altogether due to the constipation. Should I try a different grain? We have already started her on single fruits once a day before bed (she eats 8 oz bottle 4 times/day). When should I offer her fruits at another meal?

Rice cereal does have a reputation for being constipating. Usually this can be overcome by giving prune juice. Why don't you try giving the prune juice daily. If still no success, I suggest giving it undiluted or just giving a larger amount each day. The other cereals, barley and oatmeal, are thought to be less constipating, and are a good alternative to rice cereal. Also, beware of apple sauce and bananas. They also contribute to constipation. Give less of these if constipation remains a problem. Although there are many ways to arrange your child's meals, I like to give cereal at most meals. The cereal can be one of two or three items. The other items can be a fruits or vegetable.
 

Archived Digestion FAQ's