Question
A 28-year-old woman, also a mother, lacks experience in caring for newborns. She wants to know how many times a day a 38-day-old baby should have a bowel movement.
Answer
A baby’s digestive function and growth development are not yet fully mature, and the normal flora in the intestines have not been fully established either, so the condition of bowel movements may still be inconsistent. It is mainly important to observe whether the color and consistency of the baby’s bowel movements are normal, as well as whether the baby’s mental state and feeding are normal. Whether it is breastfeeding or formula feeding, these factors can all affect the frequency of the baby’s bowel movements. It is crucial to observe whether the baby’s bowel movements are thick or runny. As long as the baby’s diet is normal, having bowel movements a few times a day or a few days apart can be considered normal.