Question

My baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for five days, but he’s not crying or acting differently from usual. What could be the cause? A few days ago, he went seven days without a bowel movement and returned to normal after the doctor prescribed medication and a rectal lubricant. Now, the same situation has occurred again. How should I handle this? Can my baby take medication after receiving the vaccine?

Answer

Infant constipation is a common symptom, usually classified as functional constipation. To address this issue, here are some suggestions:

  1. Help your baby develop a regular defecation habit by having him try to use the toilet at a fixed time each day.
  2. Encourage your baby to relax during defecation to establish a stable physiological rhythm and prevent stool from becoming too hard.
  3. Increase your baby’s fluid intake and incorporate more fiber into his diet.
  4. Offer your baby whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in fiber and can help alleviate constipation. For example: wheat bran, brown rice, cooked beans, etc.