Question
What should I do if my child hasn’t had a bowel movement for five days?
Answer
It’s important for parents to guide their children correctly by signaling before defecation, such as blowing a whistle. In terms of diet, it’s advisable to provide a variety of refined foods, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fruits. For children who frequently experience constipation, in addition to special training in defecation habits, it may also be necessary to intermittently administer medications that promote peristalsis and lubricate the intestines. Also, be mindful not to consume formula milk and calcium at the same time; they should be taken two hours apart. Otherwise, it may also lead to constipation. Moreover, interfering with the digestion of milk and calcium can not only be ineffective but also have serious side effects.