Newborn Not Pooping? Here's What You Should Do

What if my newborn doesn't poop?

It's only natural for new parents to be concerned about their newborn's bowel movements. While it's important to monitor your baby's digestive health, it's also worth noting that irregular poop patterns are common in newborns as their bodies adjust to feeding and digestion. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're worried about your newborn's lack of poop.

Newborns not pooping but passing gas

It is not uncommon for newborns to pass gas but not poop. This is usually not a cause for concern, as newborns are still developing their digestive systems and learning how to feed and digest food. However, in some cases, it could be a sign of constipation. Here are some things to know and look out for regarding your newborn's pooping habits:

The frequency of pooping depends on various factors, such as their age, diet, and feeding method. In the early newborn days, it may seem like every diaper change involves a poop. However, as they get older, the frequency of pooping will naturally decrease. Breastfed babies may not poop every day, as their bodies can utilise almost all the components of breast milk for nutrition, leaving very little waste. After the first 3 to 6 weeks, they may even go an entire week without a poop. On the other hand, formula-fed babies should poop at least once every couple of days, but some may poop daily or even several times a day, which is still considered normal.

Signs of Constipation

While it is normal for newborns to pass gas, you should be aware of the signs of constipation. Constipation in infants is characterised by hard and dry stools that are difficult to pass. Other signs include excessive crying or irritability, severe straining, small and hard poops, and a bloated or swollen belly. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult your paediatrician.

Home Remedies for Constipation

If your baby is constipated, there are some home remedies you can try with your doctor's permission. For babies over 6 months old, you can offer a few ounces of water. If your baby is eating solids, try incorporating fiber-rich foods like puréed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits to help with digestion. You can also try massaging their tummy, giving them a warm bath, and moving their legs in a bicycle motion to stimulate digestion.

When to Call Your Doctor

If your newborn is under 6 weeks old and is not pooping at all or is very rarely pooping, you should consult your doctor immediately. Additionally, if you notice any blood in your baby's stool or other symptoms such as loss of appetite, pain that doesn't subside with home remedies, or difficulty sleeping, seek medical advice as these could indicate a more serious issue.

How often should a newborn poop?

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements varies from baby to baby, just as it does for adults. Some newborns defecate every time they eat, while others only do so every few days. Typically, breastfed babies tend to defecate slightly more often than formula-fed babies.

First 24 Hours

A newborn should pass their first stool within the first 24 hours of life. This first stool is called meconium, and it is usually black and tar-like. Hospitals generally won't discharge a newborn until they have passed meconium.

First Few Days

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 breastfed babies' stool tends to have a seed-like texture and is very soft, almost liquid.

First Few Weeks

In the first few weeks, it is normal for a breastfed baby to defecate about five times per day, although a few times less or more can also be considered normal as long as the baby is healthy. Formula-fed babies typically defecate at least once a day and usually three to four times a day.

After Six Weeks

After six weeks, the frequency of bowel movements for breastfed babies tends to slow down, while formula-fed babies will usually defecate once a day, sometimes less.

What to Look Out For

If your newborn is not defecating at least once every couple of days, or if they are showing signs of constipation (such as hard, dry stools), contact your paediatrician. Additionally, if your baby goes more than a week without defecating, this may be a sign of constipation and you should consult your doctor.

What to do if your newborn isn't pooping

It's understandable to be concerned if your newborn isn't pooping, but it's important to remember that every baby is unique, and there is a wide range of what's considered "normal" when it comes to bowel movements. Several factors can influence a newborn's pooping pattern, including their diet, age, and individual differences. Here are some things to keep in mind and steps you can take if your newborn isn't pooping:

Understanding Newborn Pooping Patterns:

• In the first few weeks of life, newborns tend to poop about 4 times a day, with some variation depending on the baby.
• Breastfed babies may not poop every day, as their bodies can utilize almost all the components of breast milk, leaving very little to be eliminated.
• Formula-fed babies typically poop at least once every couple of days, but this can vary, and some may poop daily or even multiple times a day.
• As newborns get older, the frequency of bowel movements tends to decrease. By the time they're around two months old, they may poop once a day or even less frequently.

When to Be Concerned:

• If your newborn hasn't pooped in 24 hours and is under 2 months old, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.
• For newborns, it's best not to wait longer than 24 hours if they haven't pooped, as it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
• If your baby is older than 2 months and hasn't pooped in 3-4 days, it's worth checking in with your doctor to rule out constipation or other concerns.
• If your baby is constipated, displaying symptoms such as hard, dry stools, excessive crying, severe straining, or a swollen belly, consult your doctor for advice.

Remedies to Try:

• Consult your doctor about giving your baby a small amount of fruit juice (such as apple or pear juice) or chamomile tea if they are at least one month old.
• Massage their tummy, give them a warm bath, and move their legs in a bicycle motion to stimulate digestion and help them relax.
• If your baby is older than 6 months, you can offer extra water or diluted prune juice to help with constipation.
• If your baby is eating solids, introduce fiber-rich foods like puréed prunes, sweet potatoes, or high-fiber fruits to aid digestion.
• Consult your doctor about using a glycerin suppository if other methods are ineffective.

Remember, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your newborn's health or if they display any signs of discomfort or distress.

Signs of constipation in newborns

It is important to note that newborns can take time to develop a routine for pooping. Their bowel movement patterns can change due to various factors, such as switching from breast milk to formula or starting solid foods. As long as your newborn is feeding as expected and gaining weight, the number of poops may vary.

• Frequency of Bowel Movements: If your newborn is having bowel movements less frequently than usual, this could be a sign of constipation. Typically, newborns fed breast milk tend to poop more often (around five times per day) compared to formula-fed babies. After the first few weeks, breastfed babies may poop less frequently, and formula-fed babies usually poop at least once a day.
• Stool Consistency: Constipation is often characterised by hard, dry, or pellet-like stools. Normally, a newborn's poop should be soft and easy to pass. If you notice that your baby's stools are hard or dry, it may be a sign of constipation.
• Straining: While it is normal for newborns to strain while pooping, especially in the early days, excessive straining or turning red without producing a bowel movement could be a sign of constipation.
• Bloating: If your newborn's abdomen appears bloated or swollen, it could indicate constipation.
• Pain: If your newborn seems irritable, cries more than usual, or pulls their legs up to their stomach, they may be experiencing stomach pain associated with constipation.
• Blood in Stools: If you notice any blood in your newborn's stools, this warrants immediate medical attention and could be a sign of constipation or another underlying issue.
• Vomiting: Constipation may sometimes be accompanied by vomiting, especially if your newborn's belly looks bloated or filled with gas.

If you suspect that your newborn is constipated, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options.

When to consult a doctor for newborn constipation

Constipation in newborns is common, especially in those fed baby formula. However, there are some signs that indicate you should call your doctor.

Loss of Appetite

If your baby is reluctant to eat or is eating less than usual, this could be a sign of constipation.

Pain

If your baby is crying or showing signs of discomfort, this could be a sign of pain. Newborns may pull their legs up to their stomach and cry when they are in pain. If your baby is in pain, it is important to seek medical advice.

Bloody Stools

If there is blood in your baby's stool, you should contact your doctor right away.

Inability to Sleep

If your baby is crying more than usual and is unable to sleep, this could be a sign of constipation.

Vomiting and Bloating

If your baby is vomiting and their belly looks bloated or filled with gas, you should call your doctor.

Hard and Dry Stools

If your baby's stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass, this could be a sign of constipation. However, it is important to note that healthy babies under 6 months may strain and cry before passing soft stools, which is known as dyschezia and is not constipation.

No Improvement with Treatment

If your baby's constipation does not improve with home remedies or dietary changes, you should consult your doctor for further advice and treatment options.

No Bowel Movement for Several Days

If your newborn has not had a bowel movement for several days, this could be a cause for concern. In rare cases, not pooping can be a sign of an underlying health issue. If your baby is under 6 weeks old and has not pooped in 24 hours, or if they are older than 6 weeks and have not pooped in a week, you should call your doctor.

Frequently asked questions