What causes constipation and hard stools in a 9-month-old baby, and what should be done?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, constipation and hard stools in a nine-month-old baby may be caused by improper diet, insufficient physical activity, intestinal flora imbalance, intestinal infection, congenital megacolon, or other similar reasons. Treatment can be carried out through general management, medication, surgery, or other methods under a doctor's guidance. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.
Normally, constipation and hard stools in a nine-month-old baby may be caused by improper diet, insufficient physical activity, intestinal flora imbalance, intestinal infection, or congenital megacolon. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance using general approaches, medications, or surgery. If the baby shows any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Diet
If a baby's diet lacks sufficient water and dietary fiber, it can slow intestinal peristalsis, causing stool to remain in the intestine for too long, with excessive water absorption leading to constipation and hard stools. Ensure the baby receives adequate water intake and add fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits into complementary foods.
2. Insufficient Physical Activity
Although a nine-month-old baby has limited mobility, lack of movement can also slow intestinal peristalsis, leading to constipation. Parents can appropriately increase passive movement for the baby, such as assisting with limb stretching exercises.
3. Intestinal Flora Imbalance
Imbalance in intestinal flora may be caused by improper use of antibiotics, unclean diet, or intestinal infections. When the baby's intestinal flora becomes unbalanced, beneficial bacteria decrease and harmful bacteria increase, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction, affecting intestinal motility, and causing constipation and hard stools. Symptoms may also include bloating and loss of appetite. Under medical guidance, drugs such as Bifidobacterium quadruple live tablets, Bacillus subtilis bifidobacterium live capsules, and Saccharomyces boulardii powder can be used to regulate the intestinal flora balance. Avoid antibiotic abuse and maintain dietary hygiene.
4. Intestinal Infection
Intestinal infections are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These pathogens may damage the intestinal mucosa, slowing intestinal peristalsis and increasing water absorption, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may also include abdominal pain and fever. It is recommended to use medications such as glycerin suppository, Cefixime granules, and Amoxicillin granules under medical guidance.
5. Congenital Megacolon
Congenital megacolon is a congenital intestinal developmental abnormality caused by the absence of intestinal ganglion cells, resulting in intestinal narrowing and difficulty in passing stool. Symptoms may also include bloating and vomiting. Follow medical advice to use medications such as lactulose oral solution, Mosapride citrate tablets, and Lactobacillus tablets for treatment. Surgery to remove the dilated colon may be necessary when required.
In daily care, give the baby more warm water or fruit juice to maintain adequate hydration, which helps soften stools for easier passage. Provide comfort during defecation and create a relaxed and pleasant environment, avoiding stress and anxiety.
