#asktheexpert
my 5 month old baby is not doing potty. it's been 10 days.

Question

#asktheexpert 
my 5 month old baby is not doing potty.  it's been 10 days.

Accepted Answer

Constipation in Babies less than 1 year is very common and more in formula fed babies and also when initially the semi solid food has been started after 6 monhths .
you can give bonnisan drops and some enzyme preparations in proper dose suggested by doctor and cow's milk should be avoided before 1 year of age . Medications are required but it should be given only in medical supervision .

Accepted Answer

If your 5-month-old baby hasn't had a bowel movement in 10 days, it's important to address this concern promptly. Here are some steps you can take:

1. **Consult a Pediatrician:** Schedule an appointment with your baby's pediatrician to discuss the issue. The pediatrician can evaluate your baby's overall health, rule out any underlying medical conditions, and provide guidance on how to manage the constipation.

2. **Monitor for Other Symptoms:** Keep an eye out for other signs or symptoms of constipation, such as fussiness, abdominal discomfort, straining during bowel movements, or hard stools. This information can help the pediatrician in their assessment.

3. **Check Feeding Habits:** Evaluate your baby's feeding habits and diet. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, breast milk is easily digestible and typically leads to soft stools. If your baby is formula-fed, ensure that the formula is prepared correctly and consider discussing with the pediatrician if a different formula may be suitable.

4. **Offer Hydration:** Ensure that your baby is well-hydrated by offering breast milk or formula frequently. Adequate hydration can help soften stools and alleviate constipation.

5. **Consider Dietary Changes:** If your baby has started solid foods, consider offering foods high in fiber, such as pureed fruits (e.g., prunes, pears) or vegetables (e.g., peas, sweet potatoes), to help promote regular bowel movements.

6. **Tummy Massage:** Gentle tummy massages or bicycle leg movements may help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.

7. **Warm Bath:** A warm bath can help relax your baby's muscles and may encourage bowel movements.

8. **Rectal Stimulation:** If recommended by the pediatrician, gentle rectal stimulation with a rectal thermometer or glycerin suppository may be used to help stimulate bowel movements in infants.

9. **Avoiding Overuse of Constipation Remedies:** Avoid using over-the-counter laxatives, enemas, or other constipation remedies without consulting your baby's pediatrician, as these may not be safe or appropriate for infants.

10. **Seek Medical Attention if Necessary:** If your baby's constipation persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool, seek medical attention immediately.

Constipation in infants can be distressing for both the baby and the parent, but with proper evaluation and management, it can usually be resolved. Always consult with your baby's pediatrician for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your baby's individual health needs.

#asktheexpert my 5 month old baby is not doing potty. it's been 10 days.