Almost 5 month old has blood in stool. What does it mean?

Look for a free clinic or a sliding scale clinic. That's where I use to go they would charge based off of income...or contact local health department.

It is just from the hard stool. This happens with most everyone when they are constipated. Probably between the change in the formula and the cereal it made him constipated. What you can do is add in a little dark karo syrup into his bottle. This is a natural way to loosen up the stools a little bit and help it to be easier for him to go and not be tearing anything down there. I don't think it is anything to worry about. Can you switch to a different formula that is easier on his tummy? Babies get all they need from the formula for that first year of life and often aren't even ready to start solids until atleast 6 months of age.

I think I can help you. If there was just A DROP OR TWO in the stool/diaper- he might have had a little tear when he had the hard stool. My son in extremely constipated and we've tried everything. He has hard stools often, and occasionally he has a drop or two of blood. I even took him to the ER once because I was nervous but they explained this can happen. We have even had to have birthing sessions with our son to help him go to the bathroom. Searching for a good solution everyday. We are in the middle of switching from preemie to other formula right now. Just watch for large tears if he has a really big solid BM. Otherwise it's Ok, for what it is at least. Good luck!!

Is the blood red or black? If he was constipated and the blood is red, then he probably scratched his rectum or anus when he had the bowel movement. If the blood is black or tarry that can be a sign of internal bleeding. Either way, I'd definitely get it checked out, but if it is red blood then his is probably just a superficial scratch and not any thing terribly serious. But don't take my word for it, ask the doctor.

That depends on whether the blood is red or brownish. If it's red, it's probably due to having hard poops and cut his rectum a bit. If it's brown, it's either old blood or internal. Either way, go see a doc. You had a baby, you have to accept the cost...

It's probably just from the constipation -- hard stools can make a small tear in his anus. But do check with the doctor to rule out anything more serious.

Are you saying that in the land of the free that the economy can have billions of dollars pumped into it to back up financial institutions but won't provide free health care for a young child. Shame on you America.

He may just have a little tear in the anus - the doctor will check for it. In my opinion it's too soon to wean a baby onto cereal at 3-4 months. 6 months is quite soon enough, or you run the risk of upsetting his system. My doctor told me this when I had my first baby 23 years ago, and it still holds true today. Why rush them onto solid food? Your doctor should advise you on that too.

It could definately mean that you started him on cereal too soon. I am on WIC and they told us babies who are fed cereal before their body is ready can result in blood in their poop. Some babies are ready at 4 months (mine was- had no problems) while others are not ready until 6 months. Discontinue cereal and see if that helps. Are you eligible for medicaid for you baby? Getting baby medicaid is easier then food stamps and regular adult medicaid. How about WIC? Have you tried applying for that? They have income qualifications but if you can get baby medicaid then you atuomatically qualify for WIC. Generic brand formula is just as good as brand name. Parent's Choice seems good. The Wal*Mart kind.