Change in Bowel Habits

Infants who are fed on cow’s milk, especially if underfed and given inadequate fluids, may pass constipated stools - stools which are hard in consistency. This may cause a great deal of strain and discomfort to the baby. As a result, the fear of pain may further aggravate the condition any at times result in retention. Passage of such stool on its own or following a rectal examination may lead to anal crack or fissure. Some babies may have spuripous diarrhea. Such babies should be given plenty of water, some brown sugar, honey or glucose. If constipation persists, medical opinion should be sought. Cretinism or deficiency of thyroid hormone and congenital megacolon. Megacolon is a condition in where you find constriction of the distal portion of the large intestine. This condition needs to be ruled out. Recurrent episodes of loose motions are often due to poor bottle hygiene. If you are fully satisfied that there is no such problem, ask for doctors advice. The baby may be allergic to milk or may be suffering from cystic fibrosis – a hereditary disease of the pancreas, the so called sweet-bread, which is situated in the abdomen and plays an important role in digestion.