Question
Newborns usually have a bowel movement every day after birth, but constipation may start around the 20th day. Parents have used glycerin suppositories but there has been no improvement, and they are inquiring about how to solve the problem of infant constipation.
Answer
Constipation may be caused by insufficient diet or inappropriate food composition. If the diet contains too much protein and insufficient carbohydrates, it may lead to dry and hard stools. Long-term insufficient diet may also lead to malnutrition, weakening the abdominal and intestinal muscle tone, which can further worsen constipation. It is recommended to adjust the baby’s diet, increase appropriate fluid and dietary fiber intake, to improve constipation issues. Additionally, maintaining a regular bowel movement habit can also help prevent and alleviate constipation.