Question
The baby has been drinking milk since infancy and consumes enough fruits and vegetables, but still often experiences difficulty defecating, with dry and hard stools and longer intervals between bowel movements. The baby’s face turns red during defecation, indicating discomfort. How should this kind of constipation problem be treated?
Answer
To treat infant constipation, it is first recommended to try breastfeeding as much as possible, as breastfed infants are less likely to have constipation issues. If constipation occurs, you can try giving the baby sugared vegetable water or fruit juice. Additionally, appropriate abdominal massage can help promote defecation; a gentle downward massage from the upper part of the baby’s lower abdomen is recommended. At the same time, using warm water to stimulate the anus or gently massaging the anus can also trigger a physiological reflex to help the baby have an easy bowel movement.