Is he straining?

[Our Lil' Family]

My 5 1/2 mo. old started something new. He grunts loudly almost like he's straining and sometimes gets beet red in the face. He acts differently when he's going to the bathroom so I don't think it's that and I've given him Mylicon when he does it and he doesn't stop so I don't think it's gas.....anyone else have any suggestions? He does it throughout the day. Is he trying to communicate his frustrations maybe? I wish I could solve this because it's driving me crazy!

Oh, he just started solids about 3 weeks ago and his bowel movements have become more solid as well...I'm not sure if this is related....

TIA!

[mysweetpeasWil&Wes]

My DS does this when he's having a BM, but you said you don't think that's what's causing your son to do this. So I'm not sure. Could just be a fun new effect he's found with his mouth. I know that some kids like to hold their breath at times for fun. I wouldn't worry too much as long as you check on him and he's not constipated.

BTW, my son was pretty constipated when we started solids. It goes away after a few weeks. If you're doing cereal, it has a lot of iron in it. If you're okay with giving juice, I used dilluted white grape or pear juice to ease things a bit.

[Our Lil' Family]

Thanks for the reply. I really am at a loss with this one but I'll do what I can to try to ease things up for him incase that's why he's doing it. What makes me think it's not constipation is that he does the face and grunting thing, and I check his diaper and nothing....poppy diapers do not follow this horribly annoying noise! lol

I read somewhere else that "P" fruits help so I'm going to start giving him some with his cereal and hope that helps. I have apple juice I try to give him but he doesn't drink much of it, maybe I'll get some Karo syrup or something when I go to the store this weekend.