Helping Newborns Poop: Tips For New Parents

Newborns usually poop frequently, but as time goes on and their digestive system settles, they will poop less. The frequency of a newborn's poop depends on what they are eating. Breastfed babies may not poop every day as their body can use up almost all the components of breast milk for nutrition, and there is very little left to be eliminated. Formula-fed babies should poop at least once every couple of days, but some may poop every day or several times a day, which is all within the typical range. If your newborn baby is not pooping at all or very rarely pooping, you should see your doctor immediately.

Breastfed babies rarely get constipated, but formula-fed babies may

It's normal for newborns to poop frequently, but as time goes on, their digestive system settles, and they will poop less. Breastfed babies rarely get constipated because breast milk is easy for babies to digest and is considered a natural laxative. However, formula-fed babies may experience constipation as their bodies learn to cope with digesting new things.

Why Breastfed Babies Rarely Get Constipated

Breast milk is highly nutritious, and a baby's body can absorb almost all of it, leaving little to pass through the digestive tract. It is normal for breastfed infants to have a bowel movement once a week, or even less frequently. Breastfed babies typically have softer stools that are easy to pass, and they may not poop every day. This is because their body can use up almost all the components of breast milk for nutrition, with very little left to be eliminated.

Why Formula-Fed Babies May Get Constipated

Formula-fed babies should typically poop at least once every couple of days. However, it is common for them to experience constipation when they are first introduced to infant formula, as it is harder for their bodies to digest than breast milk. Their bodies are still learning how to cope with digesting new things, and this can lead to constipation.

Signs of Constipation

It's important to note that the frequency of bowel movements is not always an accurate indication of constipation. Many babies may look like they are pushing or straining while having a bowel movement, but this may be because they are using their abdominal muscles to help pass stool, and they spend a lot of time lying down, which makes it harder for gravity to help them.

True constipation is characterised by hard, dry, infrequent bowel movements that are difficult and painful to pass. Other signs of constipation include:

• A firm, tight, distended belly
• Hard, pebble-like stools
• Crying while having a bowel movement
• Bloody stool
• Lack of energy
• Less hungry than usual

Treating Constipation

If your baby is formula-fed, you can try switching to a different brand of formula, but always check with your doctor first. You can also try adding a little dark fruit juice, like prune or pear juice, to their bottle, or giving them a few ounces of water if they are older than four months.

If your baby is eating solid foods, try to include high-fibre foods in their diet, such as pureed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits. You can also try massaging their belly, giving them a warm bath, or moving their legs in a bicycle motion to help stimulate their digestion.

If your baby is older than 6 months, add fibre-rich foods to their diet

If your baby is older than 6 months, it's important to add fibre-rich foods to their diet to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Here are some tips and food suggestions to help you get started:

Tips for Adding Fibre to Your Baby's Diet:

• Start with soft-cooked or pureed high-fibre vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and green peas.
• Include fruits like apples, bananas, and raspberries, which are rich in fibre and other essential nutrients.
• Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juice to retain the fibre content.
• Introduce new foods one at a time to identify any sensitivities or digestive issues.
• Ensure your baby stays hydrated by offering small amounts of water (1-2 ounces per day) if they are over 6 months old.
• Consult a paediatrician or a nutritionist to determine the appropriate fibre intake for your baby's age and adjust their diet accordingly.

Fibre-Rich Food Options:

• Lentils: Excellent source of plant-based protein, B vitamins, folate, and iron. Offer about 2 tablespoons of cooked lentils, or mix them into fruit purees.
• Quinoa: Soft-cooked seeds packed with fibre, folate, and iron. Rinse before cooking to remove the natural coating, which can have a bitter taste.
• Carrots: Good source of dietary fibre, as well as carotenoids for immune health and eyesight. Try cooked and mashed carrots with a dash of cinnamon or other spices.
• Raspberries: One of the most fibre-packed berries, also containing immune-supporting vitamin C and a high water content. Mash or blend them with other foods.
• Ground sunflower seeds: Rich in immune-boosting nutrients like zinc and antioxidants. Ground seeds can be mixed into soups, purees, or hot cereals.
• Artichokes: Safe for babies from around 6 months, artichokes are a natural source of folate and choline, supporting blood and brain health. Blend with garlic and chicken for a fibrous puree.
• Pears: Contain prebiotic fibre that supports healthy gut flora, which is crucial for immune and brain health. Pears can be mashed or served as finger foods.
• Avocados: Rich in heart-healthy fats, vitamin K, and fibre. Mash or whisk with eggs for a nutritious snack.
• Beets: Fibre-filled root vegetable that provides potassium and folate for brain development. Blend into pasta sauce or cut into soft pieces for older babies.
• Flaxseeds: Excellent source of omega-3 fats and fibre. Sprinkle ground flaxseed meal over soft fruits like bananas or avocados to make them easier for your baby to pick up.
• Whole grains: Brown rice, barley, whole wheat, maize, and oatmeal are excellent sources of fibre.
• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, beans, edamame, sweet potatoes, corn, and carrots are all high in fibre. Cook and puree, or cook until soft and cut into small pieces for older babies.
• Fruits: Watermelon, muskmelon, apples, bananas, strawberries, avocados, and blackberries are fibre-rich options. Mash or puree them, or serve as finger foods for older babies.
• Dried fruits: Prunes, apricots, dates, and figs are high in fibre but can be a choking hazard for younger babies. Cook and puree, or chop into small pieces for older babies.
• Pulses and legumes: Kidney beans, split peas, lentils, and chickpeas are good sources of fibre and protein.

Babies can go a few days without pooping, but call your doctor if it's been 4 days

How to Help a Newborn That's 5 Days Old to Poop

It is normal for newborns to poop frequently, but this frequency decreases over time as their digestive system matures. Newborns often poop after every feeding, which can be about 6 times per day. After the first few weeks, the time between bowel movements gets longer.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies may not poop every day as their body can use up almost all the components of breast milk for nutrition, leaving very little that needs to be eliminated. It is perfectly normal for breastfed infants to have a bowel movement once a week. After 6 weeks, it is also normal for them to skip a day or two between bowel movements. Call your doctor if your breastfed baby hasn't pooped for more than 3 days in a row.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies should typically poop at least once every couple of days. However, it is considered normal for them to go as long as 3 to 4 days without a bowel movement. If your formula-fed baby hasn't pooped for more than 5 days, check in with the doctor as it could be a sign of constipation.

Signs of Constipation

• Hard and pebbly stools
• Thick stools
• Thin or watery stools
• Mucus in the diaper
• Red or black stools, which could indicate bleeding
• White or clay-coloured stools, which could be a sign of a liver problem

Home Remedies for Constipation

• Liquids: If your baby is over 6 months old, give them a few ounces of water.
• Food: If your baby is eating solids, feed them fibre-rich foods like puréed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits.
• Exercise: Move your baby's legs in a bicycle motion to help stimulate digestion.
• Massage and a warm bath: Try massaging your baby's stomach to help them relax and get their digestion moving. A warm bath can also help relax their muscles and release poop.

When to Call the Doctor

• If your newborn baby (under 6 weeks old) is not pooping at all or very rarely pooping, see your doctor immediately.
• If your baby has bloody stools, persistent crying, a fever, or isn't feeding normally, seek medical care.
• Yellow or green spit-up or vomit is a medical emergency in infants as it can be a sign of a bowel obstruction.

Straining is normal, but if your baby is crying, it may be a sign of constipation

How to Help a Newborn That's 5 Days Old to Poop

It is normal for newborns to strain when passing a stool. Their bodies are still learning how to coordinate the muscles needed to poop, and they also lack the help of gravity since they spend a lot of time lying down. However, if your baby is crying while straining, this could indicate that they are experiencing constipation.

Constipation is characterised by hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. It is important to distinguish between normal straining and constipation, as the latter may require intervention. If your baby is formula-fed, poops less than once a day, and appears to be straining, consult a doctor as it could be a sign of constipation.

If your baby is breastfed, they may go up to a week without pooping, and this is not considered constipation as long as the stool is soft. Breastfed babies rarely get constipated because breast milk contains a natural laxative. Their stools tend to be yellow, seedy, and soft.

On the other hand, formula-fed babies tend to have bulkier stools and need to poop more often. It is important to use the correct number of formula scoops per amount of water to ensure proper hydration and stool consistency.

If you suspect your baby is constipated, there are several home remedies you can try with your doctor's permission. These include:

• Offering extra water if your baby is older than 4 months (no more than 1-2 ounces per day).
• Adding a little dark fruit juice, such as prune or pear, to their bottle.
• Including high-fibre foods in their diet if they are eating solids, such as pureed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits.
• Gently massaging their belly and moving their legs in a bicycle motion to stimulate the bowel.
• Giving them a warm bath to help relax their muscles and release poop.

If your baby is formula-fed, make sure to use the correct number of scoops of formula to water

It is important to ensure that you are using the correct number of scoops of formula to water when preparing your newborn's bottle. The correct ratio of formula to water is crucial to your baby's health and development. Most types of baby formula require one scoop of powdered formula for every two ounces of water. This ratio ensures your baby receives the precise amount of macro and micronutrients needed for normal growth and development.

The ratio of formula to water can vary slightly depending on the brand and type of formula you are using. For example, liquid concentrate formula is mixed with equal parts formula and water. Ready-to-feed formula does not require any mixing and can be poured directly into your baby's bottle. It is always important to follow the instructions on the formula packaging. If you are unsure, consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider.

Incorrectly mixing formula can have serious health consequences for your baby. Over-concentrated formula, or too much formula powder and too little water, can lead to dehydration, salt and water imbalance, seizures, and brain damage. On the other hand, diluted formula, or too little formula powder and too much water, can cause water intoxication, weight loss or slow weight gain, and developmental delays.

To ensure you are using the correct number of scoops of formula to water, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands and clean your preparation area.
• Prepare clean bottles and bottle accessories.
• Check the formula's expiration date.
• Determine how much formula you need and follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Add the measured amount of water to the bottle first.
• Use the scoop provided with the formula to add the powder to the bottle.
• Place a nipple and cap on the bottle and shake well.

Remember, it is normal for newborns to have irregular bowel movements as their bodies adjust to digestion. If you are concerned about your baby's pooping habits, consult your healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions