Hirschsprung's disease is characterized by:

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in a segment of the bowel, which leads to a lack of peristalsis and subsequent bowel obstruction. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is the failure to pass meconium, the first stool, within the first 48 hours of life.

This delay in passing meconium is a critical symptom as it indicates that the affected segment of the bowel is not functioning properly. In healthy infants, meconium should be expelled shortly after birth. When this does not occur, it raises suspicion for Hirschsprung's disease and warrants further evaluation.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary characteristics of Hirschsprung's disease. Chronic fecal incontinence can occur, but it is not the defining feature. Similarly, intermittent constipation may be present, but it is more commonly associated with other conditions rather than being a specific indicator of Hirschsprung’s disease. The inability to absorb carbohydrates is related to different gastrointestinal conditions such as malabsorption syndromes, and is not relevant to Hirschsprung's disease.