Constipation in Infants: A Guide for Parents

Bowel issues

Hello Doctor, my child is currently over six months old and is exclusively breastfed.
Around five months old (on April 1), I started giving her Lactoferin LP33, currently two capsules a day (since both my husband and I have allergic tendencies).
Initially, her bowel movements were 2-3 times a day, but after half a month of taking the supplement, it changed to 1-2 times every two days.
Now, it has been six days since her last bowel movement.
During this time, I have also massaged her abdomen with peppermint oil several times; she has mild bloating and has passed gas, but her abdomen feels soft.
Her appetite has not significantly changed (since three and a half months, she has shown mild signs of milk aversion, maintaining a milk intake of 110-150 cc, and can drink 160-240 cc before bedtime).
She has not shown any signs of discomfort.
I understand that it is normal for breastfed babies to have bowel movements every 7-8 days, but her change in bowel habits seems to have occurred after starting Lactoferin.
Additionally, the solid foods she has consumed include rice porridge (made with pork bone broth and white rice), cabbage, spinach, apple, banana, and grapes.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is her current bowel movement pattern normal? 2.
Could the pork bone broth be causing her bowel movement issues? She has been eating rice porridge made with the broth for about two weeks now.
3.
Currently, she is still having five meals, plus about 1/4 bowl of spinach rice porridge.
If I want to adjust her to four breastfeedings but keep the solid food at 1/4 bowl (as she may not be able to eat more yet), will that be too little for her? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

tina, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/07

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Dear Tina,
1.
The normal frequency of bowel movements can range from three times a day to once every three days; however, it is common for breastfed infants to have a bowel movement only once a week, and if the stool is soft, it is still considered normal.
2.
An increase in protein intake combined with a decrease in fiber intake can lead to constipation.
3.
The daily food intake should be approximately 100 to 150 grams per kilogram of body weight.
You may want to weigh the food to ensure your baby is getting enough.
Ideally, the baby's weight should increase by about 20 grams per day, which amounts to an increase of 600 grams over the course of a month.
Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng
Director of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2010/05/07

More Info

Constipation in infants can be a concerning issue for many parents, especially when it comes to understanding what is normal and what might require intervention. Based on your description, your six-month-old baby, who is primarily breastfed and has recently started on solid foods, is experiencing changes in bowel movements after beginning a new supplement, Le Yi Kang (LP33). Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Is the current bowel movement pattern normal?
It is not uncommon for infants to experience variations in their bowel movement frequency, especially when transitioning to solid foods or starting new supplements. Breastfed infants can have a wide range of normal when it comes to bowel movements, from several times a day to once every few days. In your case, having a bowel movement every 1-2 days is still within the realm of normal, especially if your baby is not showing signs of discomfort, such as straining or crying during bowel movements. However, since your baby has gone six days without a bowel movement, it is advisable to monitor the situation closely. If your baby appears uncomfortable, has a hard abdomen, or shows signs of distress, it may be worth consulting your pediatrician.

2. Could the bone broth be causing the constipation?
Bone broth is generally considered nutritious and can be a good addition to an infant's diet, but it can also be rich in protein and minerals, which might contribute to constipation in some cases. If you suspect that the bone broth is affecting your baby's bowel movements, you might consider reducing the amount or temporarily eliminating it to see if there is an improvement. Additionally, ensure that the broth is well-strained and free from any large pieces that could be difficult for your baby to digest.

3. Is it okay to adjust the feeding schedule to four breastfeedings and maintain the same amount of solid food?
Transitioning to fewer breastfeeding sessions while maintaining solid food intake is a common practice as babies grow and their dietary needs change. However, it is essential to ensure that your baby is still receiving adequate nutrition. At six months, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition, with solids complementing it. If you reduce breastfeeding to four times a day, ensure that your baby is still getting enough milk during those feedings. The amount of solid food (1/4 bowl of spinach rice porridge) seems reasonable for a baby at this age, but you can gradually increase the quantity as your baby becomes more accustomed to eating solids. Always pay attention to your baby's hunger cues and adjust accordingly.

Additional Tips for Managing Constipation:
- Hydration: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated. If you are concerned about constipation, you might consider offering small amounts of water or diluted fruit juice (like apple or pear juice) to help with bowel movements.

- Dietary Fiber: Incorporate more fiber-rich foods into your baby's diet, such as pureed prunes, pears, or peas, which can help promote regular bowel movements.

- Tummy Time and Movement: Encourage tummy time and gentle movements to help stimulate digestion. You can also try bicycle legs or gentle abdominal massage to relieve discomfort.

- Consult Your Pediatrician: If constipation persists or worsens, or if you notice any concerning symptoms, it is essential to consult your pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while your baby's current bowel movement pattern may not be alarming, it is crucial to monitor for any signs of discomfort. Adjusting the diet and feeding schedule can be beneficial, but always prioritize your baby's overall well-being and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Infant Constipation: Tips for Parents to Help Their Baby

Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your advice. My baby is currently over eight months old and has started consuming solid foods, usually one to two meals a day, with an intake of about 50-80 ml at most. However, I have noticed that for the...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Infants have not yet developed mature muscle strength and coordination for bowel movements, so their defecation efficiency is poorer compared to that of children. For infants with constipation, it is important to increase the intake of fiber from vegetable and fruit purees (as pl...

Addressing Constipation and Health Concerns in Infants: A Guide for Parents

Doctor: My daughter has just turned six months old, but: 1. Since birth, her bowel movements have been every three days, but now it seems to have worsened to every five or six days, and her stools are very hard and difficult to pass. I have taken her to see a doctor who performed...

Dr. Zhou Zuyou reply Pediatrics
Response: (1)(2) Based on your description, your baby appears to have severe gastrointestinal issues, and possibly metabolic problems as well (the information is insufficient, lacking details such as birth weight, current weight, stool color, quantity; energy levels, growth and d...

Tips for Relieving Constipation in Toddlers: A Concerned Dad's Guide

My daughter is 1 year and 5 months old. Recently, she has been experiencing constipation. She has better bowel movements at her grandmother's house, but when she returns home on weekends, she often has difficulty passing stool, which is sometimes hard. Occasionally, she crie...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: To address constipation issues, you can start by gently massaging the child's abdomen in a clockwise direction (around the navel). For infants and young children, you may use a rectal thermometer or a finger to stimulate the anus. Ensure they receive adequate hydratio...

Managing Constipation in Infants: Tips for Parents

Hello, I would like to ask you a question. My child is already six months old, and I have been giving him Nestlé rice cereal as complementary food, but it causes constipation. I then switched to Quaker oatmeal, and the same issue occurred. What should I do to resolve this problem...

Dr. Wang Jiayi reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Chen: In addition to commercially available rice noodles and barley extract, you can also start feeding your child some rice soup, plain congee, or freshly made fruit juice to help supplement hydration, which may assist in alleviating constipation. However, it is not re...