Question
A parent inquired: “My baby has been having difficulty defecating every other day recently, and I’m very worried. Is it bad to always use rectal suppositories? Could there be a dependence issue? What are some ways to help improve the situation? Thank you for your attention.”
Answer
The causes of baby constipation can be divided into physiological and pathological aspects. Physiological factors include:
- Poor Diet: Excessive protein intake, overly refined foods, insufficient intake of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
- Bad Habits: Not establishing a regular bowel movement habit for the baby, delaying defecation while playing, leading to dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass. Pathological factors include intestinal diseases and perianal diseases. Treatment suggestions for symptoms include:
- Rational Diet: Parents should avoid over-processing the baby’s food; whole grains are better than refined rice and white bread; increase meat intake, eat more fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, and pay attention to eating whole fruits rather than fruit juice or vegetable water; yogurt containing probiotics is also beneficial for the baby’s defecation.
- Cultivate a regular bowel movement habit; before defecation, you can give the baby a little honey water to facilitate bowel movement.
- Parental abdominal massage for the baby: Use the index and middle fingers to gently massage around the navel in a clockwise direction.
- Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions when preparing formula milk; do not