A one-month-old baby with constipation usually does not require medication. It is more important to alleviate the condition by adjusting feeding methods and care. If symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought promptly.
The digestive system of newborns is not fully developed, and occasionally longer intervals between bowel movements do not necessarily constitute true constipation. To determine if a baby is constipated, it is necessary to consider the stool consistency and the baby's overall behavior, such as dry, hard, pellet-like stool, difficulty in passing stool accompanied by crying, etc.
For breastfed babies, a low frequency of bowel movements may be normal, while formula-fed babies are more susceptible to the impact of feeding methods. For mild constipation in babies, parents can address it through diet and care.
If the baby is breastfed, the mother can increase her water intake or consume foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, to indirectly improve the baby's digestive condition. If the baby is formula-fed, parents can try changing the brand or concentration of the formula to avoid it being too thick.
Gently massaging the baby's abdomen (e.g., clockwise rubbing) and doing "bicycle leg kicks" can help stimulate intestinal motility. It is not advisable to use laxatives or enema devices for babies arbitrarily. Such practices may not only irritate the body but also affect the baby's intestinal self-regulation function.
If the baby experiences exceptionally hard stool, prolonged abdominal bloating and discomfort, it is recommended to take the baby to a pediatrician as soon as possible for the doctor to rule out other potential factors, such as intestinal obstruction or other digestive system diseases.
