What should I do if my 8-month-old baby is slightly constipated?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Constipation can be very uncomfortable for babies, as their bodies are delicate. Some medications may have certain side effects, and their effectiveness is often limited, which can hinder treatment. Besides medication, dietary therapy can also be quite effective. So, what should you do if an eight-month-old baby has mild constipation?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Bingjin
For an 8-month-old baby, drinking more water, taking probiotics, and using Kaisailu (a type of enema) can help relieve constipation. When constipation occurs, parents can encourage the baby to drink more water, which helps moisten the intestines, prevent excessive absorption of water from stools, soften feces in the bowel, and facilitate defecation. It is recommended to use erythromycin ointment to treat local dryness and infection. If the baby is formula-fed and ready for supplementary foods, small amounts of fruit and vegetable juices may be introduced. In addition, recurrent constipation and intestinal flora imbalance may also be managed with probiotics. If the infant is breastfed, the mother should try to avoid consuming spicy foods. Gently massaging the baby's abdomen in a clockwise direction can help improve symptoms. Always follow a doctor's advice when administering any medication.