Question
A 76-day-old baby, mixed-fed, has a white tongue and has been constipated since one month old. Sometimes they have bowel movements every two to three days, and sometimes every four to five days. The stool is always dry.
Answer
When dealing with infant constipation, the first thing to pay attention to is the correct guidance by parents. They should give signals before the baby has a bowel movement and try to establish a consistent schedule each day to gradually accustom the baby to regular bowel movements. If the baby does not have a bowel movement, it is not advisable to force them or make them sit on the toilet for a long time. In terms of diet, it’s appropriate to provide some refined foods, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fruits. For children who frequently experience constipation, in addition to training their bowel habits, some medications that promote intestinal peristalsis and lubricate the intestines can be given intermittently. It is also important to note that milk powder, breast milk, and calcium should not be consumed together; they should be taken two hours apart, otherwise, it may also lead to constipation.