Instant Newborn Poop Relief: Tips And Tricks

Newborns often have a lot of bowel movements, but it's not unusual for them to go a few days without pooping, especially if they are breastfed. However, if your baby is constipated, there are several things you can do to help them poop instantly. For example, you can lie your baby down and gently move their legs in a circular motion as if they were riding a bicycle, or give them a gentle tummy massage. If your baby is bottle-fed, you can try giving them extra water between feeds, and if they are on solids, make sure they are getting enough fibre.

Lie the baby down and move their legs in a cycling motion

How to Make a Newborn Poop Instantly

Lie your baby down on their back on your lap and gently move their legs in a cycling motion. This can be done by taking their lower legs in each hand and moving their legs around in a forward and backward circle as if they were riding a bicycle. This can help to get things moving in their digestive tract. It is important to make sure that you are gentle when performing this motion, and you should stop if your baby shows any signs of discomfort.

You can also try gently pressing their knees down to their tummy a few times. This can help to relax your baby's anus, which may be tense from trying to push out a stool. Again, be very gentle when doing this, and stop if your baby shows any signs of discomfort.

It is recommended to do the cycling motion for around 10 minutes at a time, and this can be repeated several times a day. You can make faces, talk, or sing to your baby while doing this, as most babies find it quite enjoyable.

While this method can be helpful, it is important to involve a pediatrician in the process. There is a risk that babies may become dependent on these techniques to poop rather than developing the skill themselves, which could make the issue worse.

Give the baby a gentle tummy massage

Giving your baby a gentle tummy massage is a great way to help them poop instantly. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it effectively and safely:

Firstly, ensure the room is warm enough, especially if you plan to remove your baby's clothing. Warm your hands by rubbing them together or running them under warm water for a few minutes. Creating a relaxing environment is important, so consider using familiar objects such as your baby's favourite toys or music to keep them calm. It's also crucial that you remain relaxed yourself.

You can massage over clothing, but for a tummy massage, it's recommended to use a small amount of baby oil or a natural vegetable or fruit-based oil, such as grape seed oil or olive oil. Place a small drop of oil in your hands, warm it by rubbing your hands together, and then show your baby what you are doing. This way, they will start to associate the sight and sound with the massage.

When massaging, use a firm but gentle pressure, and always observe your baby to ensure they are comfortable. Feel free to adjust the pressure or stroke as needed, and stop the massage if your baby becomes agitated.

To target the tummy, place your warmed hands at or below the baby's belly button. Using flat palms, gently stroke downward in a paddling motion, with one hand following the other. Next, move your hands in a clockwise motion—this is very important, as going in the wrong direction can create more issues. Stroke the baby's tummy in a circle, always moving in a clockwise direction.

Now, you can try the "I Love You" massage stroke. With your baby lying on the floor facing you, trace the letter "I" on their left side, then draw an "L" starting on their right side, across the top of the tummy, and down the left side. Finally, draw an upside-down "U", starting at the lower part of the right side, over the belly button, and back down the left side. Finish by stroking down a few times.

During the tummy massage, your baby may have a bowel movement or release some air. You may want to remove their nappy during the massage, as babies often enjoy the freedom of movement without it. Just make sure to have something underneath in case of any accidents.

Massaging your baby's tummy in this way can help encourage their bowels to move and relieve constipation. It's a gentle and effective method to help your newborn poop instantly.

Offer extra water between feeds

Offering extra water between feeds is a good way to help relieve constipation in babies, but it is important to note that this only applies to babies over 6 months old who are eating solid foods. Babies younger than 6 months should not be given water, as they get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula.

If your baby is over 6 months old and is experiencing constipation, offering them small amounts of water between feeds can help to soften their stools and get things moving. This is because the extra water increases the frequency and water content of their stools, making them easier to pass.

It's important to remember that constipation in babies is often caused by a change in diet, a lack of fluids, or an illness. So, if your baby is constipated, it may be helpful to offer them extra water, but also ensure they are getting enough fluids with their meals.

If your baby is younger than 6 months and is experiencing constipation, it is best to speak to a pediatrician or healthcare professional for advice. They may recommend other home remedies such as gentle tummy massages, exercising their legs, or dietary changes such as introducing more fibre into their diet.

Feed the baby apples, pears and prunes

Feeding your baby apples, pears, and prunes is a great way to help them poop instantly. These fruits are high in fiber, which can help to pull water into your baby's colon, softening their stool and making it easier to pass.

Apples, especially with the skin on, are a great source of fiber and can be a tasty treat for your baby. Try offering small pieces of cooked apple, or pour some apple juice into their cup to help get things moving. Apples are also a fantastic stage 1 baby food.

Pears are another excellent choice to help relieve and even prevent constipation. They are one of the first foods babies can try and are high in fiber. Pears can be cooked, but they are soft enough to be offered raw as well. Your baby can safely chew on small pieces of ripe pear without teeth.

Prunes are known for their ability to help with constipation, and they are one of the best high-fiber foods for babies with tummy troubles. If your little one is just starting solid foods, try cooking and mashing some prunes or chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces.

In addition to these fruits, you can also try feeding your baby other high-fiber foods such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, or peas. Remember that it is important to introduce new foods one at a time and always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's diet and bowel movements.

Try the 'thermometer trick'

If your newborn is constipated, there is a trick involving a thermometer that may help to stimulate a bowel movement. Firstly, coat a rectal thermometer with a liberal amount of petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or lubricating jelly. Then, with your baby lying down on a diaper, insert the tip of the thermometer about one-quarter to one-half inch into your baby's anus. Gently move the thermometer in a slow circle, or side to side, to stimulate. Remove the thermometer, and your baby should pass a stool within 24 hours.

This method is recommended by Dr Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. It is important to note that this method should only be used if other, less invasive methods have been unsuccessful. Before attempting this, you may want to try offering your baby fruit juice, changing their formula, or trying different foods.

If your baby is not constipated but simply has a slower bowel movement, this may be perfectly normal. Breastfed babies, for example, may go several days without a bowel movement, and this does not necessarily indicate a problem. As long as your baby is producing wet diapers, dehydration is unlikely to be the issue.

If your baby is in distress due to constipation, there are other methods you can try. Placing your baby's bottom in a basin of warm water can help the rectal sphincter muscle to relax, allowing for a bowel movement. You can also try a glycerin suppository, placing one-third to one-half of a stick into your baby's rectum. If you are breastfeeding, you can try eating dried apricots, prunes, or other foods that promote bowel movements.

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