Question
Dear doctor, my baby often has very dry stools and it takes several days for a bowel movement, which is very worrying for us. The baby is almost nine months old and is still breastfeeding, but doesn’t like to drink water. What should we do? Can you give us some good advice?
Answer
The most important thing is to train the baby to develop good regular defecation habits. Parents can help the baby gradually develop regular defecation habits around three months old. Starting from three months, after feeding the baby milk in the morning, parents can regularly have the baby sit in a basin, paying attention to the indoor temperature and the comfort of the basin so that the baby will not feel annoyed or uncomfortable with the basin. Place your palm downwards and flat on the baby’s navel, gently rub in a clockwise direction. This not only speeds up the baby’s intestinal peristalsis and promotes defecation, but also aids digestion.