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Suggest Treatment For Slight Constipation And Hard Stool In A 9-month-old Infant
Question: My daughter is 9 months old. Since the last 3-4 days she is slightly constipated. she has passed hard stools once out of the 2 - 3 time she passes stools in a day.
Her diet is porridge, dal/rice & a boiled veg, XXXXXXX biscuits, banana/apple & milk twice a day. she is active & playful & in no pain or discomfort. she has always had normal stools.
Is it normal for a child to pass hard stools?
Her diet is porridge, dal/rice & a boiled veg, XXXXXXX biscuits, banana/apple & milk twice a day. she is active & playful & in no pain or discomfort. she has always had normal stools.
Is it normal for a child to pass hard stools?
Brief Answer:
Hard stools are not normal but frequent stools are normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Let me clarify that stool frequency does not define constipation in infants since the normal stool frequency may vary between 10 times a day to once in 10 days. The consistency of stool is the determinant and unless it is hard and pellet like you need not worry. It is not normal for the child to pass hard and pellet like stools.
If that is the case, several kinds of fruits and vegetables, such as pears and broccoli, can get things back on track, along with fruit juice and water. The next step is rectal stimulation with the use of a cotton swab or rectal thermometer. This usually produces a bowel movement within several minutes of stimulation. Another possible is a glycerine suppository. Miralax, a tasteless powder can also be mix into the porrige; senna, a natural vegetable laxative; or lactulose, a synthetic sugar, can also be used for treating constipation.
Since the child is active and fine, I do not think that you need to be worried. Dietary modifications are fine.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Hard stools are not normal but frequent stools are normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Let me clarify that stool frequency does not define constipation in infants since the normal stool frequency may vary between 10 times a day to once in 10 days. The consistency of stool is the determinant and unless it is hard and pellet like you need not worry. It is not normal for the child to pass hard and pellet like stools.
If that is the case, several kinds of fruits and vegetables, such as pears and broccoli, can get things back on track, along with fruit juice and water. The next step is rectal stimulation with the use of a cotton swab or rectal thermometer. This usually produces a bowel movement within several minutes of stimulation. Another possible is a glycerine suppository. Miralax, a tasteless powder can also be mix into the porrige; senna, a natural vegetable laxative; or lactulose, a synthetic sugar, can also be used for treating constipation.
Since the child is active and fine, I do not think that you need to be worried. Dietary modifications are fine.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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