Question
How should parents handle a one-week-old baby’s severe constipation?
Answer
When a one-week-old baby encounters constipation issues, parents should first focus on proper defecation guidance. Babies usually give signals before defecating, and the timing is generally consistent. Parents should gradually guide the baby to adapt to a fixed defecation time. If the baby does not want to defecate, they should not be forced, nor should they be left sitting on the potty for long periods. In terms of diet, it is important to provide easily digestible fine foods such as vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fruits. For babies who frequently suffer from constipation, in addition to cultivating defecation habits, attention should also be paid to the feeding methods of formula milk and breast milk. It is necessary to avoid simultaneous intake of milk and calcium, with at least a two-hour interval to prevent the exacerbation of constipation.