Question
Why do newborns experience constipation, especially those who are mainly fed with formula milk and occasionally breastfed?
Answer
Constipation in newborns is usually caused by improper diet or inadequate intake. Long-term insufficient diet can weaken the strength of the baby’s underdeveloped intestinal and abdominal muscles, leading to insufficient tension and reduced peristalsis. This causes food residue to stay in the intestines for too long, forming dry stool that is difficult to pass, thereby triggering constipation. Additionally, inappropriate food composition and gastrointestinal dysfunction may also be reasons for constipation in infants.