Question
A 50-day-old baby who used to defecate 1-2 times a day now hasn’t pooped for four consecutive days since starting to drink juice. How should parents handle this situation?
Answer
During the baby’s growth period, they may experience what is known as the “stagnant belly” phenomenon, which is an indication of improved digestive and absorptive abilities. At this stage, the baby usually does not have any adverse reactions, and the stool during defecation remains soft. Parents can gently touch the baby’s abdomen to check for any lumps and observe if the baby is crying or showing poor mental state. If there are no such symptoms, parents can rest assured. Additionally, they can try to supplement the baby’s fluids. If parents still feel worried, it is recommended to take the baby to see a doctor. It is not advisable to use laxatives as they may