How to Determine if Your Baby Has Functional Constipation

Generally, to determine whether a baby has functional constipation, five criteria can be used: whether the frequency of defecation is abnormal, whether the stool consistency is dry and hard, whether the process of defecation is difficult, whether there are accompanying specific symptoms, and whether the duration of symptoms meets the required criteria. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Whether the frequency of defecation is abnormal

Different age groups of babies have different normal ranges for bowel movement frequency. For example, it is considered normal for infants under one year old to defecate one to three times daily or once every two to three days. If the baby's frequency of defecation significantly decreases from their usual pattern—for instance, changing from once daily to once every three or four days—functional constipation should be suspected.

2. Whether the stool consistency is dry and hard

Normal infant stools are usually soft or mushy. If the baby passes hard, pellet-like, or lumpy stools that are dry on the surface and require straining to expel, it indicates that the stool has remained in the intestines too long, allowing excessive water absorption. This is a potential sign of functional constipation.

3. Whether the process of defecation is difficult

If a baby shows obvious straining, facial flushing, crying, or body twisting during defecation, or even displays signs of pain, such as suddenly stopping mid-bowel movement or persistent crying, it suggests difficult defecation possibly caused by abnormal intestinal motility, which is a common manifestation of functional constipation.

4. Whether there are accompanying specific symptoms

Some babies with functional constipation may also experience bloating, with a hard-feeling abdomen; appetite may decrease, with reduced milk or food intake; and a few may become irritable or have disturbed sleep due to intestinal discomfort. These accompanying symptoms can aid in determining whether the baby has functional constipation.

5. Whether the symptom duration meets the criteria

If the above symptoms—abnormal bowel movements, dry and hard stools, and difficult defecation—persist for more than two weeks and structural intestinal abnormalities, hypothyroidism, or other diseases have been ruled out, functional constipation can be diagnosed, and timely adjustments to feeding methods or interventions should be made.

In addition, when making a determination, the baby's feeding method and the introduction of complementary foods should also be considered comprehensively. If functional constipation is suspected, it is recommended to first attempt improvement through dietary adjustments and increased fluid intake. If these measures prove ineffective, prompt medical consultation is advised.