Helping Formula-Fed Newborns Poop: Tips For New Parents

Formula-fed babies are more likely to experience constipation than breastfed babies. This is because formula is thicker and harder to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. However, this doesn't mean that all formula-fed babies will be constipated, and there are ways to help a newborn poop if they are struggling.

Signs of constipation in newborns

While the frequency of a newborn's bowel movements can vary, there are some signs that indicate constipation. Here are some things to look out for:

• Infrequent or less common bowel movements. Typically, newborns tend to poop at least once or twice a day in the first few days, and it's common for them to poop after each feeding during their first month. However, as they get older, the frequency may decrease to once every few days.
• Hard bowel movements that can appear like pellets, rocks, or hard balls. The stool should be soft and easy to pass.
• Blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping. This may be caused by straining during bowel movements, which can irritate the anus.
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements. Since newborns can't communicate verbally, this may manifest as an arched back, a red face, and crying.
• Lack of interest in food or fussiness.
• Straining for more than 10 minutes without results. It's important to note that straining alone doesn't always indicate constipation, as babies often strain even with soft stools.
• Timing can be a factor. Constipation may occur when solids are introduced to a baby's diet, or if they are ill or dehydrated.
• Underlying health conditions: In rare cases, constipation in newborns may be a sign of more serious underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Hirschsprung's disease, or hypothyroidism.

If you suspect your newborn is constipated, it's important to monitor their bowel patterns and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

How to relieve constipation in newborns

Constipation in newborns can be a worrying issue for parents, but it is a common problem with several possible solutions. It is important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It is also good to keep in mind that constipation is not always about how frequently your baby is pooping but also about how hard it is for them to do so. If you are concerned about your baby's constipation, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Signs of constipation

• Infrequent bowel movements
• Hard bowel movements that can appear like pellets, rocks, or hard balls
• Blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping
• Pain while passing bowel movements—for a baby who can’t communicate with words, this may appear as an arched back, a red face, and crying
• Lack of interest in food
• Fussiness or irritability
• A tear or crack in the skin around the anus
• A bloated stomach
• Vomiting

Things to try at home

• Bicycle kicks: Gently bend your baby's legs toward their chest or circle their legs in a gentle bicycling motion. This can help get things moving and make it easier for your baby to pass a stool.
• Infant massage: Massaging their stomach and having skin-to-skin contact may improve your baby's digestive system.
• Bathing: A warm bath can help your baby's muscles relax and allow poop to pass more easily.
• Extra fluids: If your baby is over 6 months old, you can give them a few ounces of water. If your baby is younger, speak to your doctor first.
• Dietary changes: If your baby is eating solids, try offering high-fibre foods such as sweet potatoes, prunes, pears, peas, beans, and broccoli. If your baby is only on formula, speak to your doctor before introducing solids.
• Exercise: Holding your baby in your lap and helping them to "walk" can get their digestive system moving.

If these remedies don’t work, be sure to speak to your doctor, who can recommend other treatments or check for any underlying medical conditions.

How to spot constipation in newborns

Constipation in newborns can be a worrying issue for parents. It is important to remember that every baby is different, and there is a wide range of 'normal' when it comes to bowel movements. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate your newborn is constipated. Here are some things to look out for:

• Infrequent bowel movements: If your baby has not passed a stool in two days, it may be a cause for concern. However, this is not always a tell-tale sign, as some babies may go several days without a bowel movement, especially if they are only being breastfed.
• Hard and dry stools: One of the main indicators of constipation is hard, dry stools that are difficult for your baby to pass. They may appear like pellets, rocks, or hard balls.
• Pain during bowel movements: If your baby is showing signs of discomfort, such as an arched back, a red face, and crying, they may be experiencing pain while passing stools.
• Blood in the stool: If you notice any blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping, this could be a sign of constipation.
• Lack of interest in feeding: If your baby is constipated, they may show a decreased appetite or a lack of interest in feeding.
• Straining: Your baby may strain for more than 10 minutes without passing a stool. However, it is important to note that straining alone is not always a sign of constipation, as babies often strain even with soft stools.
• Fussiness and irritability: If your baby seems fussy, irritated, or unsettled, it could be a sign of constipation.
• Change in stool consistency: If your baby's stools change from soft and mushy to small, hard pebbles or a large, round ball, it could be a sign of constipation.
• Bloated abdomen: In some cases, constipation may cause your baby's abdomen to become bloated or swollen with gas.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to consult your baby's healthcare provider, especially if your baby is also showing other symptoms such as vomiting or a high fever. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and recommend any necessary treatments.

How often newborns should poop

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements varies from baby to baby, just as it does for adults. Some newborns poop every time they eat, while others only poop every few days. The frequency of a newborn's pooping may also depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Typically, breastfed babies tend to poop a bit more often than formula-fed ones.

Newborns also go through stages when it comes to pooping. A new baby should poop in the first 24 hours of life. This first stool is called meconium, and it is usually black and tar-like. Within the first few days, newborns transition to regular stool, which is generally yellow. The colour is similar for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, but in babies who breastfeed, the texture tends to be very seed-like. This stool is generally soft and almost liquid-like.

Some newborns poop five times a day, while others only poop every five days. If your newborn poops less frequently but is eating regularly and has soft stools that appear typical, then that's normal for your baby. However, if they go more than a week without pooping, contact your pediatrician.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies should poop at least once every couple of days. But some babies poop every day, while some poop more often, up to several times a day. This is all within the typical range.

Formula-fed babies typically poop three to four times a day, but some go as long as three or four days without a bowel movement. As long as your baby's poops are soft and passed without a struggle, you don't have to be concerned. But call your pediatrician if your little one doesn't poop for more than five days, as this could be a sign of constipation.

What to do if your newborn is constipated

Constipation in newborns can be distressing for parents, but it's important to remember that it's often not a cause for concern. Newborns may not have developed a regular bowel movement pattern yet, and their diet changes can also affect their bowel movements. If your newborn is formula-fed, you may notice that their poop is harder and less frequent than when they were exclusively breastfed.

• They have hard bowel movements that may look like pellets, rocks, or hard balls.
• There is blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping.
• They seem to be in pain while passing bowel movements. For a newborn who can't communicate yet, this may look like an arched back, a red face, and crying.
• They have a decreased appetite or a lack of interest in food.
• They have a swollen or bloated belly.

If you notice any of these signs, there are several things you can do to help relieve your newborn's constipation:

• Bicycle kicks: Gently bend your baby's legs toward their chest or move their legs in a gentle bicycling motion. This position can make it easier for them to pass stool.
• Infant massage: Massaging their stomach and having skin-to-skin contact may improve your baby's digestive system.
• Bathing: A warm bath can help your baby's muscles relax, allowing for easier passage of stool.
• Dietary changes: If your baby is over 6 months old, you can offer a small amount of diluted 100% apple, prune, or pear juice. These juices contain sorbitol, a natural laxative that may help with constipation. You can also offer high-fibre foods like peas and prunes if your baby has started solids.
• Extra water: For babies older than 4 months, you can give them a little extra water (1-2 ounces per day) to soften their stool. Always check with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
• Change in formula: If you are bottle-feeding, consider switching to a different brand of formula after consulting your doctor. Some formulas are easier to digest and may help with constipation.
• Medication: If home remedies don't work, there are over-the-counter options like glycerin suppositories and laxatives, but these should only be used under the recommendation and supervision of your baby's doctor.

Remember that most babies who don't poop frequently are not truly constipated, and their digestive systems are still developing. However, if you are concerned or if your baby seems to be in pain, don't hesitate to reach out to your baby's doctor for advice and guidance.

Frequently asked questions