Question
A five-day-old baby has not had a bowel movement, is breastfed, and occasionally consumes formula milk. The baby has a thick, white tongue coating and sometimes vomits. The stools are loose, with bowel movements every two to three days in the past, but now there has been no bowel movement for five days.
Answer
It is normal for babies to have irregular bowel movements since they have not yet formed a daily bowel habit. As long as the stool is not dry, there is no need to worry. You can help the baby massage their abdomen daily by using three fingers to circle around the navel in a clockwise direction for 5 minutes each time, twice a day in the morning and evening, to help promote intestinal peristalsis and encourage bowel movements. Additionally, starting from when the child is two months old, it should be trained to have a good bowel habit, with regular bowel movements in the morning or before bedtime. Bowel movements before meals can allow the baby to eat better, but not after meals. The mother should observe the baby’s bowel movements and consciously schedule them according to the child’s specific situation. While the baby is pooping, the mother can make a “uh-uh-uh” sound. Suggestion: Boiled water is the best lubricant for infants, and they need a large amount of water daily. The feeding amount per feeding should be about half of the milk volume: 30 ml in the second week after birth; 45 ml in the third week; 50-60 ml at one month; 60-75 ml at three months; 70-80 ml at four months; 80-100 ml at six months; 100-120 ml from eight to twelve months. Increase water intake appropriately during summer. Frequent drinking of water is necessary when feverish, running a high fever, or experiencing vomiting or nausea. Survival care: The baby’s gastrointestinal system has not fully developed and can digest more beneficial bacteria, such as Mommy Love and Heshengyuan. Mommy Love and Heshengyuan are beneficial bacteria (not medication) that can regulate the gastrointestinal system, making loose stools not too loose and constipation not too dry. Mommy Love is priced averagely, while Heshengyuan is more expensive.