Is it ok to give babies karo syrup for constipation?

Constipation is one of the common problems among parents with babies. Constipation among babies refers to the consistency of the stool rather than its frequency. It is manifested by infrequent hard stool that appears to be painful to excrete. When baby is 5 month old, constipation is due to introduction of solid foods. Baby’s digestive system when introduced to new foods may react differently and bowel habit change. Milk formula babies are prone to constipation compared to breastfed babies. It is necessary to ask the doctor when trying to change milk formula.

The first aid for constipation is giving baby more water, but when after a day or two, the baby is still constipated, try to add karo syrup in baby’s water not to baby’s milk formula and just a small amount is added, 1 teaspoon for an 8 ounce of water. Karo syrup attracts more water into the intestine which makes stool soft. Excess in karo syrup among infants and children can cause diarrhea and loss in electrolyte.

In the past years it was been an issue whether it is good to give karo syrup to babies or not. Karo syrup can cause clostridium botulinum a kind of bacteria that affects small babies from 4 months and below that when taken by infants will cause botulism. In bigger babies and children, this kind of bacteria is harmless. Treatment of infant’s constipation may vary according to age. For infants 0 to 2 months old where baby’s digestion is unstable and sensitive, call your doctor before giving any remedy for constipation. For baby’s 3 months and older give at least 3 ounce of water twice a day in addition to its regular fluid intake but however when constipation persists let baby takes juices and fruits. When the baby is already eating solid foods, try giving fibrous foods to baby.

Karo syrup is a natural way to cure constipation and definitely not a habit forming like other constipation remedy. Though its effect is much slower than laxatives, but the natural it gives in relieving constipation will not weaken the intestinal muscle. Infants should not be given karo syrup because it can cause botulism among infants from 0 to 4 months old but it is safe to older babies and children.