Question
A 97-day-old boy has not had a bowel movement for six days, has poor sleep quality, is prone to waking up, and has decreased appetite. How should I handle my child’s condition?
Answer
Firstly, ensure that the baby is getting enough fluids. You can add one packet of milk powder or water with a milk partner. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should adjust her diet to eat more lightly and increase fluid intake as well. Perform two abdominal clockwise massages for the baby each day, for about 5 to 10 minutes, which can help stimulate bowel movement. If there is no bowel movement for several days, you can use a pediatric enema or soap swab as a short-term solution, but it should not be relied upon long-term. Additionally, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables can also help improve constipation. Wishing your baby good health.