Karo syrup for constipation: Safe for babies?

It isn't a good idea to treat infant constipation with corn (Karo) syrup. Although dark corn syrup was once a common home remedy for infant constipation, today's commercially prepared dark corn syrup may not contain the type of chemical structure that draws fluid into the intestine and softens stool — making it ineffective for infant constipation. In addition, for children younger than age 1, Karo syrup may be a potential cause of a rare but serious form of food poisoning known as infant botulism.

If your newborn seems to be constipated, contact his or her doctor for advice. If your older baby seems to be constipated, try simple dietary changes:

• Water. Offer your baby a daily serving of water in addition to usual feedings. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters). Try more or less as you gauge your baby's response to the water. Remember, though, the water doesn't replace normal feedings with breast milk or formula.
• Fruit juice. If water doesn't seem to help, offer your baby a daily serving of apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters), and experiment to determine whether your baby needs more or less.
• Baby food. If your baby is eating solid foods, try pureed pears or prunes. Offer barley cereal instead of rice cereal.

You may also want to apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to your baby's anus to ease the passage of hard stools. Don't use mineral oil, laxatives or enemas to treat infant constipation.

Rarely, infant constipation is caused by an underlying condition, such as Hirschsprung's disease, hypothyroidism or cystic fibrosis. If infant constipation continues despite dietary changes or is accompanied by other signs or symptoms — such as vomiting or irritability — contact your baby's doctor.