Question
Why does a 20-day-old baby easily vomit, have difficulty defecating (crying during bowel movements, then straining), and become flushed with a red face when suddenly straining during naps?
Answer
A 20-day-old baby experiencing dry heaves may be due to an underdeveloped digestive system, a horizontally positioned stomach, and a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to vomiting after movement. As the baby grows older and begins to walk, these symptoms will gradually diminish. Constipation in the baby may be caused by insufficient water intake or if the mother consumes too much greasy or spicy food. As for the baby’s straining and flushed face during naps, this is a normal phenomenon in the process of childhood growth and development, and there is no need to worry excessively.