Is it normal for a 2-month-old baby to go three days without a bowel movement? PDF Print E-mail
Written by sumaira   
Sunday, 25 November 2007

An infant who has not had a bowel movement in three days most likely is constipated. In general, infants pass about four stools a day. Breast-fed infants have more bowel movements than formula-fed infants do. This frequency gradually declines to about two a day by the time the child is 2 years old. Treatment of infant constipation varies by age.

Infant constipation: What to do
Age of infant Treatment
0-2 monthsCall your doctor for advice
2+ monthsGive the infant 2-4 ounces of water twice a day. If constipation doesn't improve, try 2-4 ounces of fruit juice — such as grape, pear, apple, cherry or prune — twice a day.
4+ monthsIf a child is already eating solid foods, feed him or her baby food that's high in fiber — such as peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums or spinach — twice a day until constipation improves.

You may also try applying a small amount of water-based lubricant to your child's anus to ease passage of hard stools. However, never give mineral oil, stimulant laxatives or enemas to infants.

Constipation in infants often begins with the transition from breast milk to formula, or from strained foods to table foods. Rarely, infant constipation is due to an underlying condition, such as Hirschsprung's disease or underactive thyroid. If constipation persists, call your doctor
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]