Baby hasn't had a bowel movement for 5 days but is passing gas.

Generally, if an infant does not pass stool for five days but only passes gas, it may be related to factors such as "stool storage," inadequate feeding, indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or incomplete intestinal obstruction. It is recommended to visit a hospital to determine the underlying cause and follow medical advice for treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Stool storage: In breastfed infants with good absorption, there may be minimal food residue, leading to prolonged intervals between bowel movements—commonly known as "stool storage." This condition typically presents no other symptoms. Parents can gently massage the infant's abdomen to promote intestinal motility.

2. Inadequate feeding: Insufficient milk intake results in too little stool formation to trigger the defecation reflex, which may lead to failure to pass stool while still passing gas. This may be accompanied by slow weight gain, irritability, and crying. It is recommended to increase the infant’s feeding volume and ensure adequate nutritional intake.

3. Indigestion: Infants have immature digestive systems and limited capacity to digest food, which may result in indigestion and constipation. Symptoms may include bloating, reduced appetite, and foul-smelling gas. It is advisable to adjust the infant’s diet by appropriately introducing fiber-rich foods such as vegetable puree and fruit puree.

4. Gastrointestinal dysfunction: Imbalance of intestinal flora or exposure to cold may disrupt intestinal motility and defecation, causing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, persistent crying, and loss of appetite. Under medical guidance, medications such as Bifid Triple Live Bacteria Powder, Clostridium Butyricum and Bacillus Combined Live Bacteria Granules, or Lactasin Granules may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Incomplete intestinal obstruction: When an infant has a narrowed intestine or abnormal intestinal function, feces may be unable to pass smoothly, although gas can still pass through, resulting in constipation and flatulence. This may be accompanied by bloating and vomiting. Parents should promptly take the infant to the hospital for evaluation. Under medical supervision, treatments such as potassium chloride injection or glucose injection may be administered symptomatically.

In daily life, parents should pay attention to the infant’s diet, which helps enhance immune function and promote overall health.