Is it normal for a two months old child to move his bowel after two days?

Q: My two months old son passes bowel after a gap of two days. He does it after we insert a soap stick. This has been happening for the past 4 weeks. Is this normal? He has also developed dry skin in both of his legs and elbow area. Please help.

A:Each child has his own unique bowel habit. If the stool consistency is not hard/stony, there is no discomfort on passing stool and your son is otherwise active and playful there should be little to worry about. Occasionally children develop a change in bowel habits if the existing formula is changed and a new one introduced. Going back to the original formula will be a simple and effective solution in such a case. Putting in a suppository or enema to evacuate the bowels is not a preferred modality in infants. Please get a thyroid profile done for your son. You could use any good quality emollient or oil for everyday use for dry skin.