Question
A 20-day-old male infant shows signs of dancing and flailing his arms before each bowel movement, appearing extremely uncomfortable and requiring effort to pass stool. What could be the possible reasons for this situation?
Answer
This situation may be due to mineral deficiencies, particularly low blood calcium levels, which can lead to increased brain and autonomic nervous system excitability, thereby affecting the quality of sleep during the night. It is recommended to supplement with calcium and vitamin D. If a baby is deficient in calcium, it may lead to poor closure of the fontanelle; if zinc is deficient, mouth corner ulcers may occur. Additionally, excessive excitement before bedtime or irregular sleep habits may also cause the baby to cry. It is suggested to keep the baby calm for 0.5 to 1 hour before bedtime, avoiding overly exciting activities. Create a suitable sleep environment for the baby, including moderate room temperature, a quiet atmosphere, and soft lighting. Ensure that the baby has urinated before going to bed to reduce the number of times the baby wakes up at night.