Question
Why doesn’t my baby have a bowel movement?
Answer
A baby’s dry stools are mainly caused by slow large intestine activity and excessive water evaporation. Possible reasons include insufficient food intake, insufficient sugar in the diet, leading to reduced residue after absorption and a decrease in stool volume. If the diet contains too much protein, it can make the stool alkaline and dry. High calcium content in food can also lead to constipation, for example, the calcium content in milk is higher than that in breast milk, so babies fed on milk are more prone to constipation than those breastfed. The fiber in vegetables can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote defecation. Avoid using glycerin suppositories or other medications to promote defecation, as this may cause the baby to develop a rejection of the medication. If the baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for two or three days, consider using a glycerin suppository once to clear the accumulated stool.