Question
Is it normal for a breastfeeding baby who is 2 months and 20 days old to have a bowel movement every 5 days, with the stool not being dry?
Answer
Infant constipation generally refers to a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements compared to usual, even 2 to 3 days or more without defecation. However, when determining whether a child has constipation, the consistency of the stool is more important than the frequency. If the stool is soft, without hard lumps, it is normal even if it occurs every 4 to 5 days, which is common in breastfed infants aged 2 to 3 months; sometimes the frequency of bowel movements is normal, but the stool is hard and difficult to pass, with small amounts and granular in appearance, which is considered constipation.