From the Research
If your 2-3 month old baby is constipated, you should take them to the hospital if they haven't had a bowel movement for more than 5-7 days, show signs of severe pain or discomfort, have a swollen or hard abdomen, are vomiting, refusing to eat, have blood in their stool, or appear lethargic. For mild constipation, you can try gentle belly massage, moving their legs in a bicycling motion, or a warm bath to help stimulate bowel movements 1. Small amounts of water (1-2 ounces) between feedings may help if your baby is over 2 months old. For formula-fed babies, ensure you're mixing formula correctly and consider discussing with your pediatrician about switching formulas. Never give laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without medical guidance. Constipation in young infants can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition like Hirschsprung's disease or hypothyroidism, which is why persistent constipation requires medical evaluation 2.
Some key points to consider when evaluating constipation in infants include:
- The duration of symptoms and treatment given before referral to a specialist opinion can vary significantly 3
- Psychological factors in the family, as well as advice regarding simple behavior modification and management of common secondary behavioral problems, are often overlooked 3
- A multidisciplinary assessment including a pediatrician, pediatric surgeon, and member of the child mental health team may be recommended for children with refractory constipation referred to a specialist center 3
- Clinical practice guidelines and selected research articles can provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of pediatric constipation 1
It's essential to note that breastfed babies may normally go several days without a bowel movement, while formula-fed babies typically have more regular patterns. However, if you're concerned about your baby's constipation or if they're showing any signs of distress, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice 4.