Question
Newborns under 20 days old often spit up milk, have difficulty defecating (cry during bowel movements and strain), and suddenly become forceful and face reddened during their afternoon nap. What could be the cause?
Answer
Newborns around 20 days old experiencing regurgitation may be due to an underdeveloped digestive system, a horizontal stomach position, and a relaxed pylorus, which makes them prone to spitting up after slight movement. As they grow older and learn to walk, the longitudinal regurgitation symptoms in babies will gradually ease. If constipation occurs, it may be related to insufficient water intake or the breastfeeding mother’s diet being too oily and spicy. The baby becoming forceful and face reddening during their afternoon nap is a normal phenomenon in the growth and development process and should not be a cause for concern.