Baby Food

Question: Can baby food cause loose stools?

(Posted by: Bry on 2008-10-17 07:45:52)

I started watching a 15 month old a week or so ago. All his mom sends with him to eat is Stage 2 baby food, which I thought was kind of odd for him to still be on just baby food...but my question is, he always has very loose stools almost like diarrhea. Could the fact that he is on just baby food be the cause of this? She also gives him a lot of juice, she sends about 2 or 3 cups with which is a little much in my opinion, but I do what she says since it's her kid. Should I say something about all of the juice or leave it be? On the sheet that I had her fill out for him to be babysat with me, she put "None " in the allergies/ medical/ other problems. So if he had any sort of problem, I would hope she would have listed it or at least mentioned it to me. Thanks Tabitha! I actually mentioned something to her the other day about giving him some cut up banana like my kids were eating and she said no, she's afraid of him choking. The only "solids " I am allowed to give him are cheerios.

Posted by: Tabitha on 2008-10-17, 07:51:44

It does seem like a lot of juice. Maybe you can ask her if it's okay to give him some water too? Or you could just dillute the juice. And tell her you found something at the store that you thought he might like. Maybe some fruit that he likes or those puff things or whatever. Good luck.

Posted by: Pippin on 2008-10-17, 07:58:03

Babyfood would not cause loose stools, unless the child is sensitive to the particular food in the jar. (In which case the non-pureed version would also cause diarrhea.) Juice can definitely cause loose stools. The fructose is very laxative for some kids. I would mention this to the mother. Some toddlers only poop once or twice a day, so it's possible she doesn't even know that there's a problem. (Or she might assume it's normal.) Don't be accusing, just say that he has loose stools, and wonder if it might be connected to the juice. Ask if you can offer water or milk instead.

Posted by: kellyvn on 2008-10-17, 07:58:20

That seems to be alot of juice, esp. nowadays with kids getting too much and getting cavities. For his age, he should be eating some adult food too. Some baby foods might cause loose stools, like spinach or peas or squash b/ c they have fiber. That in combination with juice might do it. I think since you are the caretaker, you should say something, like bring up an article or info you found on a website to support your position. Or tell her your concern about the stool and ask her what she thinks is the problem. If she doesn't think it's a problem, tell her she might ask the dr. b/ c you're concerned.