Can Oatmeal be causing intolerance issue?

[fitfamily]

My lo was constipated on Rice cereal.  So, for the last 4 days I have tried oatmeal  (Earth's best).  I know he has dairy and soy intolerance and I've eliminated in my diet.  However,  I can tell his tummy is upset and I am trying to figure out the culprit.  FYI, I read the label of my Trader Joe's Brown sugar oatmeal and the 2nd ingredient is Soy Protein Isolate.  I ate that the last 2 mornings.  It could be that, but was wondering if the fact that oats have more protein than rice that there lies the problem.  Any feedback would be great. 

He is turning 6 mos this week and has tried rice cereal 1 time and oatmeal 4 times.  Exclusively BF

[momofclaire]

Claire had trouble with Oatmeal at first. Barley cereal was great for us.  I would say if you know he had a soy intolerance and the second ingrediant is Soy related that it is probably that.  Can't hurt to eliminate it and see.

[becky1969]

We ended up having trouble with all cereals. Our ped just had us skip them and move on to fruits/veggies. Definitely try barley, but don't be afraid to stop if she still seems upset. I waited WAY too long on oatmeal - nearly 2 weeks - and by end of that Owen was just one big ball of misery.  I guess I thought since Oatmeal was one of the 1st foods, any baby should be able to eat them! Well, not mine!!

[momofclaire]

I agree with Becky. Cereal in general can be a bit complex for some babies.  You could also try pears, bananas, peas.  A good site for baby food rec is wholesomebabyfood.com. It is mostly about making your own food but has charts about what foods are good at what ages.

[Mom to M&M]

Totally agree with PPs. In fact, my DD was unable to tolerate any grains until after 8 months. I'd definitely skip grains for now - totally not necessary. Some great first foods are bananas, avocado, pears, etc. Good luck and take it slowly!

[fitfamily]

Thanks all!  I stopped the oats as of yesterday (totally miserable day for LO).  I stopped eating my own oats (cheerios) and no PB and J sandwiches for now (not sure about it). 

My next issue is whether or not I should be concerned by tiny red pin-sized dots on his groin and a few on abdomen.  He's happy....except for the dots.  I feel very confident that they are a result of me giving ds 3oz. RTF Alimentum last afternoon for the first time(for various reasons I am wanting to supplement and possibly wean).  He immediately was relaxed and took a 30 min catnap from 445p-515p.  I nursed as usual and he went down easily at 700p.  He slept the longest stretch EVER until 500a.  I nursed a full feed and gave him a paci and he went back to sleep until I woke him up to start the day at 715a.  BTW, he hasn't done this in over a month....usually wakes at 500 for the day (crying, but not hungry).  He was totally happy when he woke  and didn't fuss immediately to feed, which he usually does.  If he's content should I be worried about the Alimentum?  I did RTF b/c no corn (unlike Nutramigen and Alimentum powder). 

dS is 6 mos on Fri

[Mom to M&M]

Are the red dots bothering him? If not I'd see if he adjusts/if they go away. If they bother him/get worse, definitely speak with your doctor as Alimentum does still have some milk proteins present.

[October]

Hi,
My 6-month-old (4 months corrected) LO has been on Alimentum (liquid) since he was 37 weeks gestational age. In fact, he was diagnosed as cow's milk & soy allergic in Children's Hosp. Boston and we were advised to switch to Alimentum or for me to totally eliminate them from my diet. I opted to switch to formula and my LO loves the smelly stuff ! He presented with a swollen belly from gas build-up and Alimentum fixed it right away.

BUT, I live on an island and we can't get the liquid..it's out of stock here right now so we've had to switch to Nutramigen powder and my LO is having a hard time adapting. He's a refluxer so I added organic oatmeal cereal to thicken his formula yesterday...he ended up with diarrhea.

Can this happen with oatmeal ? Could it be something in the powder ? We had spit-up problems with the Alimentum powder when he was much younger and he was a bit constipated so I'm thinking it's either the different formula or the oatmeal.

Sorry to wade in but I thought I'd mention the success we had, and now seek advice re. the latest upset. 

[Aly Mac]

Just want to 'tag' this thread as I have just started feeding and I think my lo is constipated on the rice cereal and wasn't sure whether to try oats instead.  i think I'll just stick to vegies/fruit for now!

[Mom to M&M]

As for the Alimentum/Nutramigen, they are NOT the same. The Alimentum liquid/RTF is the only formula without corn starch - which aggravated my LO too. Can you call the company and buy it direct and have it shipped?

[fitfamily]

As for the Alimentum/Nutramigen, they are NOT the same. The Alimentum liquid/RTF is the only formula without corn starch - which aggravated my LO too. Can you call the company and buy it direct and have it shipped?

I checked the labels of both powders  Alimentum powder doesn't contain corn starch (unless I missed it...which is possible).  They both contain corn syrup solids - Nutramigen 46% and Alimentum (less) 35.5%.

Thanks for all the info.  I took a break from formulas and solids until all his bowels were clean.  We needed to get a little night time sleep training done.  Today I did give DS one ounce of Alimentum powder.  He gulped it.  I haven't noticed a rash like he used to get.  Also, it hasn't affected his afternoon nap.  Maybe this is the time he is able  to tolerate it.  Gestationally he is 6 months today. 

[fitfamily]

Aly Mac,
My DD had to switch to oatmeal right away. Rice cereal used to constipate her.
October,
My girlfriend's 6mo DS had VERY loose stools with oatmeal.  She now mixes the 2 cereals together to get a good diaper.  Did you give your lo the oatmeal and Nutramigne at, more or less, the same time? 

[Jimbob]

My son has a worse reaction to oats than wheat so it is definately possible that it could be causing a problem.