From the Guidelines
If your 12-month-old is experiencing constipation after introducing cow's milk, consider temporarily reducing milk intake to 16-20 ounces per day and increasing water and high-fiber foods, as recommended by pediatric health guidelines 1. When introducing cow's milk to a 12-month-old, it's essential to monitor for signs of constipation, as the higher protein and fat content in cow's milk can contribute to firmer stools 1. Key considerations for managing constipation in this age group include:
- Temporarily reducing cow's milk intake to 16-20 ounces per day
- Increasing water and high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Offering prune, pear, or apple juice mixed with water for immediate relief
- Considering a glycerin suppository (infant size) or Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) mixed in liquid once daily for 2-3 days, but only after consulting a pediatrician It's crucial to continue offering a balanced diet with plenty of nutrient-dense foods, as outlined in the pediatric health guidelines 1, and to ensure adequate fluid intake to help prevent constipation. If constipation persists or is severe, it's essential to consult a pediatrician to rule out other digestive issues, such as milk protein intolerance 1.
From the Research
Constipation in Children
- Constipation is a common problem in children worldwide, and it can be a chronic issue persisting for many months to years 2, 3.
- The introduction of cow's milk to a 12-month-old child may be associated with constipation, although there is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support this claim.
- Successful treatment of constipation in children requires long-term use of laxatives, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a commonly used and effective laxative for this purpose 2, 3, 4, 5.
Treatment of Constipation in Children
- PEG is a preferred choice of laxative for many practitioners due to its excellent efficacy, safety, and patient acceptance 2, 3.
- A study comparing PEG 3350 and magnesium hydroxide in children with functional constipation found that both laxatives were equally effective and safe, but PEG 3350 had better acceptance in patients above 4 years of age 4.
- Another study evaluating the use of PEG in functional constipation and fecal impaction found that PEG was more efficacious than placebo and had great safety and tolerability 5.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) as a Treatment Option
- PEG 3350 has been shown to be effective and safe in treating occasional constipation in adults, with significant relief in straining and reduction in hardness of stools 6.
- PEG is considered a first-line treatment for functional constipation in children, and its use has been well-established in the pediatric population 4, 5.
- However, there is limited information available on the specific use of PEG in infants and young children, particularly in relation to the introduction of cow's milk and constipation.