Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Some children, usually older than your infant, can have a plug of stool in their
rectum with liquidy stool leaking down from above and around the hard stool. So this appears like
constipation and
diarrhea.
Diets that predispose to constipation are high in sugar, pasta, milk and cheese and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Good
parenting may allow for elimination of some items and introduction of others.
Prune juice and pear, peach, and apricot nectar are effective. Papaya, cantaloupe, and grapes are high in fiber.
Keep introducing new vegetable options. Often child will welcome 1-2 vegetables; parent must be persistent. Try to add whole grain breads and brown rice.
If you feel you must give some medicine for constipation, a small dose(a teaspoon once a day) of
Milk of Magnesia is safe. Constipation that is resistant to medical therapy should not be ignored. There can be anatomical problems with intestines, for example. If your son's constipation does not resolve, he must be seen by his
primary care physician.
I hope this information is helpful.
Please return if you have more questions.
Regards,
Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP