What are the methods to relieve constipation in a 6-month-old baby?

Generally speaking, there is no absolute method considered the most effective for constipation in 6-month-old babies. Constipation in 6-month-old infants may be caused by an unreasonable diet structure, lack of physical activity, intestinal flora imbalance, indigestion, or congenital megacolon. Treatment options may include general treatments, medication, and others, under the guidance of a doctor. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Unreasonable Diet Structure

When infants begin to be introduced to complementary foods at 6 months of age, if the complementary foods contain insufficient dietary fiber, such as excessive consumption of refined rice flour, and insufficient intake of fiber-rich foods like vegetable puree and fruit puree, it may slow intestinal peristalsis, causing stool to remain in the intestine for too long, excessive absorption of water, and resulting in dry, hard stools. Gradually increasing the proportion of vegetable puree and fruit puree in complementary foods, such as apple puree and pumpkin puree, while ensuring sufficient breastfeeding or formula feeding, and appropriately providing water between feedings may help.

2. Lack of Physical Activity

Extended periods of lying down without sufficient movement can affect intestinal peristalsis. Physical activity can promote abdominal muscle contractions, which helps propel stool through the intestines. Parents can help infants perform simple limb exercises, such as lifting legs and rolling over, and appropriately increase physical activity to promote intestinal motility.

3. Imbalance of Intestinal Flora

Intestinal flora imbalance may occur due to an imbalanced intestinal microecology, with reduced beneficial bacteria and increased harmful bacteria, affecting digestion and absorption of food. Slowed intestinal peristalsis and stool retention may lead to constipation, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and reduced appetite. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as Bifidobacterium Triphosphate Tablets, Bacillus Subtilis and Bifidobacterium Live Combined Granules, and Licheniformis Bacillus Live Capsules may be used for treatment.

4. Indigestion

Indigestion might be related to infants' relatively weak digestive and absorptive capacity. Consuming excessive high-fat, high-calorie foods can burden the gastrointestinal tract. Food not fully digested by the intestines may accumulate over time, causing constipation. Symptoms such as increased belching and flatulence may also occur. Medications such as Si-Mo Decoction Oral Liquid, Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, and Jianwei Xiaoshi Oral Liquid may be taken under medical advice to aid digestion and improve constipation.

5. Congenital Megacolon

Congenital megacolon usually occurs due to the absence of ganglion cells in the colon, causing persistent intestinal spasms, with stool accumulating in the proximal colon. Weakened propulsive peristalsis in the intestines leads to megacolon and constipation. Associated symptoms may include abdominal discomfort. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection, Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Tablets, and Lactulose Concentrated Solution may be used for treatment.

In daily life, parents should assist infants with simple limb activities to promote intestinal peristalsis. Meanwhile, parents should pay attention to infants' emotional changes, identify problems promptly, and seek medical attention to ensure the infant's healthy growth.