Is Karo Syrup Safe for Babies? Infant Constipation Relief (2024)

  • Karo Ingredients
    • What are the ingredients of Karo syrup?
  • Karo vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
    • Is Karo corn syrup the same as high fructose corn syrup?
  • Gluten
    • Is Karo syrup gluten-free?
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Is Karo Syrup Safe for Babies? Infant Constipation Relief (1)

Karo syrup is not suitable for babies due to its ineffectiveness at relieving constipation and its potential for containing botulism-causing bacteria.

Health professionals do not recommend giving Karo or any other commercially available corn syrup to babies.

In the past, dark corn syrup was given to infants suffering from constipation, since at the time, it contained substances that softened stool by drawing water into the gut, thus relieving the condition. However, modern-day commercially available corn syrup may not have that same chemical nature, making these syrups, such as Karo, ineffective at relieving constipation.

Furthermore, there are also concerns that corn syrups may contain botulism-causing bacteria. Although this has not been proven yet, it is better to take your doctor’s advice. Botulism in infants can result in serious symptoms that may require hospitalization, such as

  • muscle weakness,
  • trouble breathing,
  • floppiness, and
  • a weak cry.

Thus, it is recommended to seek your doctor’s advice before giving corn syrup or Karo to treat your infant’s constipation. In older babies, giving enough fluid along with dietary changes may help, although some newborns may require a glycerin suppository.

What are the ingredients of Karo syrup?

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

See Also
FAQ | Karo®

Karo is available in two broad varieties: Karo light and Karo dark corn syrup. Karo light corn syrup is a clear and colorless liquid with a moderately sweet taste. It contains a mixture of corn syrup that is flavored with salt and vanilla.

Karo dark corn syrup appears deep brown and is made up of a mixture of corn syrup along with a small amount of refiners' syrup, which is a type of molasses that gives dark corn syrup its deep color and flavor. To provide its distinctive taste, other additives, such as caramel flavor, salt, sodium benzoate (a preservative), and caramel color, are added.

Is Karo corn syrup the same as high fructose corn syrup?

Although both corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are derived from corn starch, they are not the same. High-fructose corn syrup is a sweet liquid obtained after enzyme treatment that converts some of the glucose in corn syrup to fructose (a simple sugar like glucose). High-fructose corn syrup is called so because it contains fructose in a higher concentration compared to corn syrup. The exact concentration of fructose may vary in different formulations, but most formulas contain either 42 (called HFCS 42) or 55 (called HFCS 55) percent fructose, the rest being glucose and water.

Is Karo syrup gluten-free?

According to their official website, Karo syrup is gluten-free. It does not contain added gluten and is not made in a facility processing gluten-containing food.

Is Karo Syrup Safe for Babies? Infant Constipation Relief (2)

QUESTION

Newborn babies don't sleep very much. See Answer

References

Drugs.com. "Corn Syrup for Constipation: OK for Babies?" <https://www.drugs.com/mcf/corn-syrup-for-constipation-ok-for-babies>.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "High Fructose Corn Syrup Questions and Answers." <https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/high-fructose-corn-syrup-questions-and-answers>.

Karo. FAQs. <https://www.karofoodservice.com/faq&gt.

Is Karo Syrup Safe for Babies? Infant Constipation Relief (2024)

FAQs

Is Karo Syrup Safe for Babies? Infant Constipation Relief? ›

These bacteria can cause a rare and sometimes fatal illness called botulism. Karo syrup may also increase the risk of dental cavities developing in older infants. As such, the syrup is not suitable for children. On top of any health risks, infants often do not require active treatment for constipation.

Is it okay to give babies Karo syrup for constipation? ›

Karo syrup is not suitable for babies due to its ineffectiveness at relieving constipation and its potential for containing botulism-causing bacteria. Health professionals do not recommend giving Karo or any other commercially available corn syrup to babies.

Which syrup is best for constipation in babies? ›

Karo syrup is a type of dark corn syrup that may help with your child's bowel movements, especially if it's painful to go or they are constipated. Constipation occurs when your child passes a painful stool or when the number of bowel movements is less frequent than normal. This can happen even if their stool is soft.

What is a natural laxative for babies? ›

Offer prune, pear or apple juice.

Juice is a very good, natural way to ease constipation in babies. It contains sorbitol, a sweetener that acts like a natural laxative. Add 1 to 2 ounces of 100 percent prune, pear or apple juice to a baby's diet each day until symptoms resolve. Don't offer water to babies.

What can you give a 3 week old baby for constipation? ›

If your baby is not eating baby food yet, you may give 1 to 2 ounces of 100% fruit juice (pear, prune, cherry, or apple) once a day. Stop the juice if their stools become too loose. If they are old enough to eat baby foods, feed them pureed pears, peaches, or prunes instead of giving them juice.

What is the purpose of Karo syrup in baby formula? ›

Infant formulas are nutritionally complete and need a source of carbohydrate to provide energy. Corn syrup solids and maltodextrin have been clinically shown to be well-tolerated carbohydrate sources for infants with food allergies or gastrointestinal disorders who are unable to consume breastmilk or standard formula.”

Does gripe water help with constipation? ›

Gripe water is also not a laxative. In other words, if your baby is constipated, it will not help them poop.

What do pediatricians recommend for constipation in babies? ›

Fruit juice – If your infant is at least four months old, you can give certain fruit juices to treat constipation. This includes prune, apple, or pear juice (other juices are not as helpful). You can give a total of 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 120 mL) of 100 percent fruit juice per day for children four to eight months old.

How much Karo syrup for newborn baby? ›

Baby constipation home remedies

“At less than one month of age, we normally start with one to two teaspoons of dark Karo syrup mixed with formula daily, as well as a good probiotic.” Sneed said.

What is the best puree for baby constipation? ›

Once your baby is eating solid foods, give them pureed foods such as prunes, pears, peaches, and peas. These can help with constipation since they contain more fiber than other fruits and vegetables.

How can I get my baby Unconstipated fast? ›

Offer your baby a small amount of water or a daily serving of 100% apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. These juices contain sorbitol, a sweetener that acts like a laxative. Start with 2 to 4 ounces (about 60 to 120 milliliters), and experiment to determine whether your baby needs more or less.

What is a fast acting laxative for babies? ›

Saline enema laxatives generally offer relief within a few minutes. Each enema laxative comes with complete instructions on how to use it. Read carefully to ensure your child gets the best results. When your child can't get relief from other methods, saline enemas are an option some doctors may recommend.

How can I stimulate my baby's bowels? ›

lie your baby down and gently move their legs like they're riding a bicycle – this can help get things moving. if your baby is happy lying down, give them a gentle tummy massage. if your baby is also having formula, try giving them extra water between some feeds.

Does white karo syrup help constipation? ›

Can Karo syrup help treat constipation? Karo is a brand of corn syrup that serves as a popular home remedy for constipation. While it can help prevent or treat constipation, it is not a suitable remedy for children.

What position helps baby poop? ›

Help your baby by holding the knees against the chest. This is like squatting for your baby. This is the natural position for pushing out a stool. It's hard to have a stool lying down.

What exercises help babies poop? ›

Exercise

The parent or caregiver can gently move the baby's legs while they are lying on their back to mimic the motion of riding a bicycle. Doing this may help the bowels function and relieve constipation.

Can you give a kitten Karo syrup for constipation? ›

Constipation can be helped by adding a few drops of Karo syrup to the KMR, or by thinning the KMR a bit. Never hesitate to call a CC4C member if you have any concerns about the kittens in your care.

Is baby corn good for constipation? ›

Baby corn is rich in fibre which keeps the digestive tract healthy. It helps maintain healthy bowels and avoids constipation. It is also a rich source of folate which plays an important role in preventing neural-tube birth defects in the foetus thus, making it a healthy addition to the pregnancy diet.

Which syrup is best for loose motion for babies? ›

Cado Suspension is a commonly prescribed medicine for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in infants and children. This medicine is usually given when diarrhea cannot be treated effectively with fluids and dietary measures. It reduces the amount of water and salts that are lost in the stools.

Can you give a puppy Karo syrup for constipation? ›

If they are constipated, stimulate stool passage by rubbing the rectal area with a warm wet cotton ball and give a few drops of Karo syrup orally. Pediatric simethicone drops can be used under veterinary direction if excess gas is noted.

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