Constipation in infants less than 6 months old
When is an infant under 6 months old considered to be constipated?
Is constipation common in infants less than 6 months old?
It is not frequent.
The infant under 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding tends to make more stools than the one who takes formula milk, and can do so every time he takes food, while in infants under 6 months of formula milk, the rate Normal bowel is 1-2 bowel movements per day.
In infants under 6 months, occasionally, a transient disorder is called “Disquecia” of the infant. It is immature of the intestine and gives way spontaneously.
This disorder is not serious even if a few days pass without bowel movements.
It presents some discomfort for the baby because it is difficult for the emission of feces and we find it making forces, turning red and complaining.
- The stools are not hard, they are normal.
- How can we help the baby in this situation?
We can help you by doing flexion exercises of the legs on the abdomen, giving massages in the abdomen and even with some anal stimulation such as the Physioenema (saline enema).
When is constipation seen in infants less than 6 months old with formula milk?
When the child makes fewer stools of 1 or 2 per day.
As there is still immaturity of the bowel’s own function, you must have peace of mind.
The same exercises of flexion, massages and stimuli previously mentioned would be realized.
It should be the pediatrician who says whether or not an enema should be given to an infant.
In summary:
Very quiet since it is usually normal.
Always follow the advice of the pediatrician.
