Gentle Massage: Encouraging Newborn Poop At Two Days Old

Newborn babies typically pass meconium, a black, sticky substance, within the first 48 hours of birth. After this, a newborn's stool frequency and colour depend on their diet. Breastfed babies may not poop every day, and it is normal for them to have a bowel movement once a week. Formula-fed babies should poop at least once every couple of days, but it is common for them to poop daily or several times a day. If your baby is not pooping and seems uncomfortable, you should seek medical advice.

Try a different brand of formula

If your newborn is formula-fed, switching to a different brand of formula may help them poop. Formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation than breastfed babies because breast milk is easier to digest and acts as a natural laxative. Formula, on the other hand, is thicker and contains larger proteins that can be more difficult for your baby to digest.

However, before making the switch, it is important to consult your paediatrician, especially if your baby is on a special type of formula, such as one designed for premature babies. It is also important not to switch formulas too frequently, as this can make things worse. Give your baby a few weeks to adjust to the new formula before considering another change.

When introducing a new formula, you can simply open the new container and start using it. However, be aware that your baby might not like the new formula right away, as the taste may be slightly different. If this is the case, you can try introducing the new formula gradually by mixing it with the old formula. Start with a 50/50 mix for a few days, then switch to using the new formula exclusively.

Side effects from switching formulas are uncommon, but they may include fussiness and changes in stool patterns. If your baby becomes constipated after starting a new formula, you can try the following remedies:

• Give your baby a warm bath
• Move their legs in a "bicycle" pattern
• Give them a small amount of 100% prune juice once a day (only if they are over 4 months old; consult a doctor for younger babies)
• If your baby has started eating solid food, give them pureed pears or prunes, or whole-grain cereal like cooked oatmeal

If your baby still doesn't poop after trying these tips, or if they seem to be in pain when trying to pass stool, contact your paediatrician. They may recommend a suppository or other medication.

Give them extra water

It is important to note that babies under six months old should not be given water. They get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. Introducing water to a baby under six months can lead to diarrhoea and even malnutrition.

If your baby is over six months old, you can give them a few ounces of water. This is especially important if they are constipated. However, it is crucial to ensure that your baby does not drink too much water, as this can lead to water intoxication, which is dangerous. At this age, 4-8 ounces of water per day is enough.

If your baby is not yet on solids, continue to provide breast milk or formula as their primary source of nutrition and hydration. Breast milk is easy to digest and is considered a natural laxative, so it is uncommon for exclusively breastfed babies to experience constipation.

Feed them high-fibre foods

If your newborn is not pooping, don't worry. Irregular poop patterns are common in babies as their bodies react to changes. However, if your newborn baby is under 6 weeks old and is not pooping at all, call your doctor immediately.

If your baby is older than 6 weeks and is eating solids, you can give them high-fibre foods to help them poop. Here are some ideas for high-fibre foods that your baby might enjoy:

• Pureed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits
• Lentils—try a hearty lentil, potato, and tomato soup, or stir plain lentils into your baby's fruit puree
• Quinoa—mix it with coconut milk and mango puree or finely chopped cooked kale and pasteurised feta cheese
• Carrots—mash them and toss in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice
• Raspberries—mash them into a jam and spread on toast with cinnamon
• Ground sunflower seeds—mix into soups, purees, and hot cereals, or blend roasted sunflower seeds into butter and serve with diced ripe pears
• Artichokes—rinse canned artichokes and blend with garlic and chicken
• Pears—ripe pears make excellent finger foods and pair well with root veggies like parsnips
• Avocados—whisk pureed avocado with raw eggs
• Beets—use them to make a brightly coloured pasta sauce, or cut up soft angel hair pasta noodles and toss them with the fibre-rich pasta sauce
• Flaxseeds—toss soft cut-up fruits like bananas, mangoes, and avocados into flaxseed meal
• Oatmeal—add cinnamon, maple syrup, and raisins to make it a kid favourite
• Apples—add peanut butter for an extra 1.6 grams of fibre
• Popcorn—a tasty treat with 2 grams of fibre in three cups
• Bananas—a great afternoon snack with 3.1 grams of fibre in a medium banana
• Whole-grain bread—make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a weekend lunchtime treat
• Berries—raspberries offer 4 grams of fibre per 1/2 cup, while blueberries and strawberries have 1.8 grams and 1.5 grams respectively
• Whole-grain pasta—try some homemade macaroni for dinner
• Sweet potatoes—not just for Thanksgiving! With 3.8 grams of fibre in a medium sweet potato, this tasty vegetable makes a great anytime snack

Move their legs in a bicycle motion

How to Encourage a Newborn to Poop: Moving Their Legs in a Bicycle Motion

If your newborn is not pooping but is passing gas, don't worry. Irregular poop patterns are common in babies as their digestive systems are still developing. However, if your newborn baby is under 6 weeks old and is not pooping at all, you should see your doctor immediately.

If your baby is older than 6 weeks and is not pooping, there are some things you can try to encourage them to go. One method is to move their legs in a bicycle motion, which can help rev up their digestion. Here's how to do it:

• Place your baby on their back, either on your lap or on the floor/bed.
• Hold their legs and turn them gently in a cycling motion, as if they were riding a bicycle.
• Do this for about 10 minutes, several times a day.
• You can make faces, talk, or sing to your baby while doing this!

This technique is a fun activity for your baby and can help stimulate circulation and stretch their muscles in the lower abdominal and hip area. It can also aid in releasing gas and encouraging a bowel movement.

While this method is generally safe, it's important to consult your paediatrician before trying it, as babies can sometimes become dependent on these techniques to poop and may have trouble pooping on their own. Additionally, it's important to ensure your baby is comfortable during the process and cease if they become agitated.

Give them a warm bath

A warm bath can be a great way to help your newborn relax and encourage them to poop. Here are some tips to make bath time a pleasant and safe experience for your little one:

Preparing for the Bath:

• Ensure you have everything you need within arm's reach, including a baby tub or basin, baby-safe cleanser, washcloths, a sponge, a hooded bath towel, a receiving blanket (optional), and a fresh diaper and outfit for after the bath.
• Always check the water temperature before placing your baby in the tub. The ideal temperature is between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a bath thermometer or dip your elbow in the water to test it.
• Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent accidental scalding.

During the Bath:

• Gently place your baby in the tub, supporting their head and neck with one arm.
• Use cotton pads to wipe their eyes, using a separate pad for each eye to avoid spreading any possible infection.
• Clean their head, neck, and behind their ears with a washcloth, paying attention to the creases and rolls.
• Rinse off any cleanser residue with a small cup of water.
• If your baby poops in the tub, don't worry! Drain the water and give the tub a quick clean. Poop in the bath is normal, and it's unlikely to cause any harm to your baby.

After the Bath:

• Remove your baby from the tub by supporting their head and neck, then place them on a flat surface and pat them dry.
• Apply a baby-safe moisturizer all over their skin to prevent dryness.
• If needed, give your baby a second quick rinse in the sink or with a shower attachment, especially if things got messy during the bath.
• Keep your baby warm with a swaddle blanket until you can get them into a fresh diaper and outfit.

Additional Tips:

• You can make bath time a bonding experience by bathing with your baby or giving them a massage in the tub.
• Excite your baby's senses by using washcloths and towels with different textures.
• Keep the room and water warm to ensure your baby doesn't get cold.
• Talk to your baby during bath time! They will enjoy hearing your voice, and it can be a cathartic experience for you as well.
• Always stay with your baby during bath time. Never leave them alone in the tub, even for a second.

Frequently asked questions