When a new life arrives at home, the laughter and crying of a baby can always add a lot of joy. However, when the baby encounters a cold, diarrhea, or days of not having a bowel movement, parents can’t help but feel anxious, urgently seeking solutions. The baby not having a bowel movement for several days is usually a sign of constipation, especially if there is an increase in the smell of feces and gas, which may indicate poor protein digestion, adjusting the milk amount or diluting the formula becomes necessary.
It is worth noting that compared to breast milk, any form of formula is more likely to cause internal heat. Therefore, ensuring that the baby drinks enough water is the safest and most effective way to relieve internal heat. For mixed fed babies, an appropriate amount of water should be given between feedings. The amount of water should gradually increase as the baby grows, especially in summer. It is important to choose plain water, fruits and juices should not be used as substitutes.
In order to stimulate the baby’s intestinal movement, parents can massage the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction around the navel every morning and evening for five minutes each time. In addition, it is crucial to cultivate regular bowel habits for the baby starting from two months old, with the ideal time for bowel movements being in the morning or before bedtime to ensure a good night’s sleep and promote appetite before meals.
In daily care, besides ensuring an adequate intake of water, adding a stool softener to the formula or water can assist in relieving constipation, while continuing with abdominal massages. If constipation persists, temporary use of a pediatric glycerin suppository or soap stick may be considered, but long-term reliance should be avoided.
In conclusion, when facing the common issue of baby constipation, increasing water intake, adjusting the mother’s diet (especially when exclusively breastfeeding), maintaining a balanced diet structure, and cultivating good bowel habits are key to maintaining the baby’s intestinal health.
