Question
What to Do If a Child Over Four Months Old Hasn’t Had a Bowel Movement?
Answer
Children’s symptoms are generally caused by weak colon function. For babies under four months old, it is recommended to provide mashed food (be mindful that it must be mashed and not juice or similar), as vegetable purees and fruit purees (especially celery and banana, due to their high fiber content) contain fiber and pectin, which can absorb moisture, swell the stool, enhance intestinal peristalsis, and not only provide the necessary nutrients for the child’s rapid growth and development but also aid in bowel movement. Secondly, you can take oral probiotics to adjust the child’s gastrointestinal function and pay attention to increasing the child’s water intake. Also, consider massaging the child’s abdomen after meals to reduce gastrointestinal twisting and emptying. Thirdly, if the child still hasn’t had a bowel movement for two days, it is recommended to use a small enema to help the child defecate. At the same time, I’ll share a homemade remedy with you: mix half a spoon of honey with half a spoon of sesame oil, stir well, and drink a few sips to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movement. You can give this to the child at intervals of many days later.