How to Handle Infants’ Constipation

Question

An 8-month-old baby has been drinking formula milk since weaning, but has very hard stools and difficulty in defecation. Questions:

1. Can honey be added to the formula milk?
2. Are there other ways to soften the baby’s stool? Thank you!

Answer

1. Increase fluid intake.
2. For breastfed infants, the mother should adjust her diet structure, emphasizing light and healthy eating, and increase water intake.
3. Perform clockwise abdominal massage for the baby, with the navel as the center, rotating friction from left to right. Rest for 5 minutes after 10 strokes, then massage for another 10 strokes, and repeat this process for 3 rounds.
4. If the baby has not defecated for several days, a pediatric enema can be used. It is not advisable to feed the baby too quickly or too much at one time. The concentration of formula milk should be diluted.