Question
Dear expert, my two-month-old infant has irregular bowel movements, sometimes not defecating for two to three days at a time. They defecate easily when their bottom is squeezed. What could be the reason for this? Will this condition affect the infant’s health? Parents often give their infants cool medicine like Qixing Tea. Thank you.
Answer
Irregular bowel movements in infants may indicate gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is recommended that parents perform clockwise massage around the infant’s navel to promote intestinal peristalsis and aid in defecation. If the infant is on formula milk, consider switching to a formula with prebiotic ingredients. If the infant is breastfed, consider whether the breast milk is sufficient. If it is insufficient, the mother should increase her intake of lean meat, drink one cup of prenatal milk in the morning and evening, and ensure adequate sleep to promote milk production.