Question
How should I handle a 7-month-old baby who frequently does not have a bowel movement for a week?
Answer
Infant constipation is often related to dietary habits and lifestyle. Mothers can increase their intake of fiber-rich foods such as black fungus, white radish, dried cabbage, potatoes, corn juice, millet congee, green vegetables, mushrooms, and steamed apples. Generally, adjusting the intestinal flora by taking probiotics or bifidobacteria, and lactulose to promote defecation can be effective. Drinking a little warm or cold water every morning can promote intestinal peristalsis; abdominal massage should be done daily. Encourage the baby to develop the habit of having a bowel movement twice a day, even if the baby does not feel the urge to go; take the baby to the bathroom to establish the habit. It is permissible to use a rectal suppository on an occasional basis, but it is not advisable to rely on it long-term. It is best to clean the baby’s anus with warm water after each bowel movement and before bedtime.