Question
Parents inquire about their baby’s decreased defecation frequency since they were six months old, sometimes going several days without a bowel movement. They suspect a dietary issue but have made adjustments without improvement and wish to understand the cause.
Answer
Newborns are considered normal if they do not defecate for 4-5 days, as they are in the “holding stool” stage. Parents should provide more water and honey water, and should consume enough vegetables and fruits to avoid overheated foods. Breastfed babies usually do not picky eat, and as children grow older, their defecation naturally improves. Most babies experience mild constipation, and being able to defecate on their own is already a good sign.