Pooping Quickly With A Newborn: A Solo Parent's Guide

Newborns can be a handful, and their poop schedule can be unpredictable. It's natural for parents to worry about their baby's bowel movements, but it's important to remember that every baby is different. In the first few months, a breastfed baby might have anywhere from 5 to 40 bowel movements a week, while formula-fed babies can have up to 28. As long as your baby is eating well, gaining weight, and seems comfortable, there's usually nothing to worry about. However, if you're concerned about your baby's poop schedule or they seem uncomfortable, there are a few things you can try to get things moving quickly when you're alone with your newborn. This includes trying a different formula, adding prune or pear juice to their diet, or giving them extra water if they're older than 4 months. You can also try a belly massage, exercising their legs in a bicycle motion, or giving them a warm bath to relax their muscles. Remember to always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or if constipation persists.

Try a different formula

If your baby is bottle-fed, you may want to try switching to a different brand of formula. However, it is important to check with your doctor before making any changes to your baby's diet. Constipation is more common in bottle-fed babies than in breastfed babies, so if you are considering switching to formula, it is important to be aware of the potential for constipation.

If your baby is already on formula, switching to a different brand may help alleviate constipation. Some formulas are designed to be easier for babies to digest and can help reduce gas and constipation. Hydrolysate formulas, for example, contain partially or completely broken-down milk proteins that are easier for some infants to digest. However, it is important to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor first.

In addition to switching brands, you may also want to try a different type of formula. For example, some formulas have lower lactose levels, which may help with digestion. However, it is important to note that lactose intolerance in babies is very uncommon, as lactose is the main sugar in breast milk.

Another option is to try a formula with whey or soy instead of cow's milk. These formulas may be easier for your baby to digest and can help reduce gas and constipation. Again, it is important to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor before making the switch.

If your baby is constipated, you may also want to try adding a little dark fruit juice, such as prune or pear, to their bottle. This can help soften their stools and make them easier to pass. However, it is important not to add too much juice, as it can loosen their stools too much.

Finally, if your baby is older than four months, you can offer them a small amount of extra water (no more than 1-2 ounces per day). This can help with hydration and may aid in digestion and stool softening. However, be sure to check with your doctor before giving your baby water.

Give them extra water

Water is essential for your baby's digestion. It keeps food moving through their intestines and ensures that their intestines remain smooth and flexible. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, so it's important to make sure your baby is well-hydrated.

If your baby is older than 4 months, you can give them some extra water—but check with your doctor first. For babies over 6 months, a few ounces of water per day is generally safe. However, it's important not to overdo it, as too much water can also be harmful. The recommended amount of water for babies over 6 months is no more than 1-2 ounces per day.

If your baby is formula-fed, it's important to measure the water first before adding the formula powder. This ensures that the ratio of water to formula is correct and helps prevent constipation.

Water can also be given to babies in the form of warm baths, which can help calm and settle your baby as well as relieve discomfort. Gently massaging their stomach can also help stimulate the bowel and provide pain relief.

While water is important, it's not always enough to prevent or treat constipation on its own. It's also crucial to ensure that your baby is getting enough fibre in their diet, especially if they have started eating solid foods. High-fibre foods such as pureed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits can help with constipation.

Exercise their legs

Exercising your baby's legs is a great way to help them relieve gas and build strength in their legs, hips, knees, and abs. Here are some exercises you can do:

Bicycling

This is a simple exercise where you gently move your baby's legs in a circular motion as if they were pedaling a bicycle while they lie on their back. Make 3-5 circles, take a short break, and then repeat. You can talk, coo, or sing to your baby during this exercise to keep them engaged and happy. Continue as long as your baby seems interested and stops when they lose interest.

Sit-ups

Sit-ups help strengthen your baby's abdominal and neck muscles. To do this, lay your baby on their back and gently hold their wrists and forearms. If your baby doesn't have full head control yet, place your hands behind their head and your arms behind their shoulders instead. Slowly lift them into a seated position, offering a little resistance, and then lower them back down without their head touching the ground. As your baby gets stronger, you can eventually lift them into a full sit.

Leg Stretches

While your baby is lying on their back, gently take their legs at the ankles and move them in all directions—bend and stretch the legs and open and close them with caution. Always respect the limits of their joints by performing these movements slowly and being aware of your baby's comfort.

Weight-Lifting

Once your baby starts grasping objects (usually around 3-4 months), you can place them in a high chair and offer them different toys to lift and inspect. This helps build hand-eye coordination and strengthens their hand, arm, and shoulder muscles. Be sure to praise your baby when they successfully lift an object, and you can also use toys that light up or make sounds for added encouragement.

Dancing on the Toes

Holding your baby under the armpits, let them find their balance on their toes. This helps build their leg strength, but remember that younger babies may not be able to hold this position for long, so don't keep this exercise going for too long.

Give them a warm bath

Giving your newborn a warm bath is a great way to help them relax and calm down before bed. It can also be an effective way to stimulate your baby's bowel movements and relieve constipation. Here are some tips to help you navigate bath time and promote healthy pooping:

Prepare the Bath

Before you begin, ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable bath time. This includes a baby tub or basin, baby-safe cleanser, washcloths, a sponge, and a hooded bath towel. It is important to always check the water temperature before placing your baby in the tub. Aim for a warm temperature between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a bath thermometer or dip your elbow in the water to test it.

Bathing Your Baby

When your baby is in the tub, support their head and neck with one arm while gently bathing them with the other. Use a damp cotton pad to gently wipe their eyes, using a separate pad for each eye to prevent the spread of 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, then remove your baby from the tub and place them on a flat surface to pat them dry.

Promoting Healthy Pooping

A warm bath can help relax your baby's abdominal muscles and relieve constipation-related discomfort. The warm water causes your baby's muscles, including their intestinal muscles, to relax. This can make it easier for them to pass stool. Additionally, the warm bath may help your baby figure out how to control their bowel movements.

To further promote healthy pooping, you can try giving your baby a gentle belly massage in a clockwise pattern. You can also move their legs in a bicycling motion while they are lying on their back to stimulate their bowels.

Additional Tips

If your baby tends to poop in the tub, don't worry! It's normal for babies to do this after settling into a warm bath. Just drain the water and give the tub a good scrub. White vinegar is a natural antiseptic, or you can use bleach if needed. Remember to thoroughly rinse the tub afterward.

If your baby is formula-fed, they should ideally poop at least once every couple of days. Breastfed babies may not poop every day, as their bodies can use up almost all the components of breast milk. After the first 3-6 weeks, they may go a whole week without a poop, which is normal.

If you notice any signs of constipation, such as hard or dry stools, straining, or a distended belly, you can try home remedies like a warm bath, massage, or dietary changes. However, if these don't help, consult your doctor for further advice and treatment options.

Massage their belly

Massage is a great way to help your newborn poop quickly and can be especially useful if they are experiencing constipation. Here are some tips and techniques for massaging your newborn's belly:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure the room is warm enough, especially if your newborn is not wearing many clothes. Warm your hands by rubbing them together or running them under warm water. Create a relaxing environment by performing the massage in a familiar room with their favourite toys or music. It is important that you also remain relaxed.

You can massage over clothing, but for a belly massage, it is recommended to use a little oil and massage directly on the skin. Use a 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, about the size of a coin, and rub them together to warm the oil.

Massage Techniques

When massaging your newborn's belly, place your warmed hands on their tummy at or below the belly button. Using a firm but gentle pressure, use a paddling-type motion with flat palms to gently stroke downward, using one hand after the other. Always observe your baby to ensure they are comfortable with the massage.

Next, move your hands in a clockwise motion (it is very important to only go in this direction) and stroke your baby's tummy in a circle. Try the "I Love You" stroke:

• First, trace the letter "I" on your baby's left side.
• Then, draw an "L" by starting on their right side, moving across the top of their tummy, and down their left side.
• Finally, draw an upside-down "U" by starting at the bottom left corner of their belly and tracing up, across their torso above the belly button, and then back down the right side.

You can also try the "Hands of a Clock" technique. Envision a clock on your baby's tummy and start at 7 or 8 o'clock. Move from left to right in a half-moon shape, gently pressing and sliding your hands in a clockwise motion. One hand should follow the other.

Other Tips

During the tummy massage, your baby may have a bowel movement or release some air. You may want to leave their nappy off during the massage and place something underneath them in case of any accidents.

If your baby does not tolerate the massage well, you can try moving their legs in a cycling motion to help relieve constipation. Place your baby on their back and gently turn their legs in a cycling motion. This will put gentle pressure on the intestines to make them move.

A warm bath can also help your baby relax so that stools are passed more easily. You can also massage their stomach while they are in the bath.

Frequently asked questions