Newborn Not Pooping: When To Be Concerned?

When should I be concerned about my newborn not pooping?

It is common for newborns to not poop regularly, and this is usually not a cause for concern. However, there are some instances where you should pay attention. For the first month, newborns should have a bowel movement at least once a day. After that, it's normal for formula-fed infants to have at least one bowel movement per day, while breastfed infants can go several days or even a week without one. If your newborn is not pooping at all or very rarely pooping, especially if they are under 6 weeks old, you should seek medical advice. Other signs of constipation include:

- Blood in the stool

- Fussiness and irritability

- Belly pain and bloating

- Straining more than normal to have a bowel movement

- Hard, dry, or pellet-like stools

- Less hungry than usual

Newborns not pooping for several days

It is understandable for parents to be concerned about their newborn's health, especially when they are not pooping for several days. While it is normal for newborns to have varying bowel movement patterns, there are some instances where it may be a cause for concern. Here are some detailed guidelines on when to be concerned and what to do if your newborn is not pooping for several days:

Frequency of Bowel Movements

The frequency of bowel movements can vary greatly among newborns, depending on their age, feeding method, and individual differences. Here are some general guidelines:

• Breastfed newborns: It is common for breastfed newborns to have at least one bowel movement per day during the first month. After the first month, it is not unusual for them to go several days or even a week without a bowel movement.
• Formula-fed newborns: Formula-fed infants typically have at least one bowel movement per day during the first month. Going a couple of days without pooping is less common but can still be within the normal range.
• Age-specific guidelines: As a general rule, newborns should have at least one wet diaper for each day of their life, up to five days old. For example, on day one, there should be at least one wet diaper, and on day five, at least five wet diapers.

Signs of Constipation

While it is normal for newborns to have occasional periods without pooping, there are some signs that may indicate constipation:

• Hard and dry stools: If your baby's stools are dry, pellet-like, or difficult to pass, it could be a sign of constipation.
• Straining: Excessive straining or crying during bowel movements may indicate that your baby is having difficulty passing stools.
• Abdominal discomfort: Irritability, clenched fists, and arching of the back could be signs that your baby is experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice any signs of constipation or if your baby goes more than a week without a bowel movement, it is important to consult with a pediatrician. Additionally, if you observe any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

• No bowel movements for more than a week: Regardless of the feeding method, if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement for more than seven days, it's time to seek medical advice.
• Hard stools or signs of discomfort: If your baby is passing hard, pellet-like stools or seems to be in pain while trying to poop, it is important to consult a doctor.
• Blood in the stool: Blood in the stool, whether bright red or dark, should prompt a call to the pediatrician as it could indicate an underlying issue such as an allergy or intestinal problem.
• Vomiting or fussiness: Persistent vomiting or fussiness, along with a lack of bowel movements, could be a sign of a blockage or gastrointestinal issue.

Home Remedies for Constipation

If your baby is constipated, there are some home remedies that you can try with the approval of your doctor:

• Liquids: For babies over six months old, you can offer a few ounces of water.
• Dietary adjustments: For breastfed babies, the mother may need to make dietary changes. For formula-fed infants, the doctor may recommend switching formulas or adjusting the concentration.
• Tummy massage: Gently massaging your baby's abdomen in a clockwise motion can help stimulate bowel movements.
• Bicycle legs: Moving your baby's legs in a cycling motion can help relieve constipation and stimulate digestion.
• Fiber-rich foods: If your baby is eating solids, offer fiber-rich foods such as pureed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits to help with constipation.

In most cases, it is recommended to monitor your baby's bowel movements and consult a pediatrician if the issue persists or if you notice any signs of discomfort or other concerning symptoms.

Signs of constipation in newborns

It's important to remember that bowel movements vary from baby to baby, and even day to day. A newborn's bowel movements can vary greatly in their first few days of life. While some babies poop after every feed, others may go several days without a bowel movement. This is because their digestive systems are still developing, and breast milk or formula is efficiently absorbed, leaving less waste to be expelled.

• Hard, dry stools: If your baby's stools are dry, pellet-like, or difficult to pass, it could indicate constipation.
• Straining: Excessive straining or crying during bowel movements may signal constipation.
• Abdominal discomfort: Your baby may seem irritable or uncomfortable, and you may notice them clenching their fists or arching their back.
• No bowel movements for more than a week: While breastfed babies can sometimes go several days without a bowel movement, if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement for more than a week, it's time to seek medical attention.
• Blood in the stool: Blood in the stool, whether bright red or dark, should always prompt a call to the pediatrician, as it could signal an underlying issue such as a milk protein allergy or an intestinal problem.
• Vomiting or fussiness: Persistent vomiting or fussiness, along with the absence of bowel movements, could indicate a blockage or other gastrointestinal issue.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to monitor your baby's bowel movements and consider seeking medical advice if the issue persists. While occasional bouts of constipation are common, persistent or severe constipation may require medical attention.

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. A newborn's digestive system is still developing, and their bowel movement patterns can vary greatly. Here are some things you can do if your newborn is constipated:

• Monitor their bowel movements: Keep track of how often your baby is pooping and the consistency of their stools. Newborns should have at least one bowel movement per day during the first month. After that, formula-fed infants should continue to have at least one per day, while breastfed infants can go several days or even a week without one.
• Look for signs of discomfort: Constipation may be an issue if your baby exhibits signs of discomfort, such as irritability or crying excessively during bowel movements, or abdominal discomfort. Other signs include clenched fists, arched back, and blood in their stool.
• Try dietary adjustments: If your baby is formula-fed, consult with your paediatrician about switching to a different formula or adjusting the concentration. For breastfed babies, your doctor may recommend changes to the mother's diet.
• Increase fluid intake: If your baby is over 4 months old, you can offer them a small amount of water (no more than 1-2 ounces per day) to help with hydration and promote bowel movements. Always check with your doctor before introducing new fluids.
• Introduce solid foods gradually: If your baby has started solids, offer high-fibre options such as pureed prunes, peaches, or pears. Avoid rice cereal, as it can sometimes cause constipation.
• Encourage physical activity: Gently move your baby's legs in a cycling motion or hold them in a squatting position to stimulate their digestive system and help them pass stool more easily.
• Try relaxation techniques: A warm bath can help relax your baby's muscles and encourage a bowel movement. You can also try gently massaging their abdomen in a clockwise motion to stimulate their bowels.
• Consider medical interventions: If home remedies are ineffective, consult your paediatrician about medical interventions such as laxatives or suppositories. They may recommend an infant glycerin suppository to soften stools and facilitate bowel movements.

Remember, it's always best to consult with your paediatrician if you have any concerns about your newborn's health, especially if they show signs of discomfort or constipation persists for several days.

When to call the doctor

• If your newborn baby (under the age of 6 weeks) is not pooping at all or very rarely pooping, see your doctor immediately.
• If your baby is formula-fed, poops less than once a day, and appears to be straining, talk to a doctor. It could be a sign of constipation.
• If your baby is passing hard, pellet-like stools or seems to be in discomfort while trying to poop, it could indicate constipation.
• If your baby is gassy but not pooping, check for other signs of constipation, such as excessive crying or irritability, severe straining or turning red without pooping, small hard poops, or dry poop.
• If your baby has not had a bowel movement for more than a week, regardless of feeding method, it’s time to seek medical attention.
• If you see blood in your baby’s stool, it could be a sign of a milk protein allergy or an intestinal problem. Always prompt a call to the pediatrician.
• If your baby is vomiting or showing signs of fussiness, along with the absence of bowel movements, it could indicate a blockage or other gastrointestinal issue.
• If your baby has diarrhoea that goes on for 6-8 diaper changes, call your pediatrician.
• If your baby is 1 month or older and is constipated (no pooping, or hard stool), you can try giving apple or pear juice (1 ounce a day for every month of life). If that doesn’t help after a day or two, call your pediatrician.
• If your baby is not gaining weight, or is feeding poorly, contact your doctor.
• If your baby is not peeing enough, they may be dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, a sunken fontanel (the soft spot on your baby’s head), and no tears when crying.
• If your baby is sleeping more than usual or won’t wake up, call the doctor.

How to tell if your newborn is pooping

Frequency

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements can vary. Some babies poop after every feed, while others may go several days without a bowel movement. Breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies, and they may have a bowel movement once a week. Formula-fed babies may poop anywhere from once a day to several times a day. After the first month, newborns should have at least one bowel movement per day.

Colour

The first stool, called meconium, is usually black and tar-like. After the first 24 hours, the stool will transition to a regular stool, which is generally yellow. The colour is similar for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, but breastfed babies tend to have a seed-like texture. After introducing solid foods, the colour of the stool may change again.

Consistency

The stool of breastfed babies is often mustard-like in colour and consistency, sometimes seedy, mushy, or curdy. It can also look loose, even watery. Formula-fed babies' stools are usually soft but more formed, ranging from pale yellow to yellowish-brown, light brown, or brownish-green.

Signs of constipation

• Hard, dry, pellet-like, or difficult-to-pass stools
• Straining or crying during bowel movements
• Abdominal discomfort, such as clenching fists or arching the back
• Lack of energy or a grumpy mood
• Less frequent pooping (fewer than three times a week)
• Larger than usual poops
• Unusual smelly wind and poop
• Decreased hunger
• A firm tummy

If you notice any of these signs, monitor your baby's bowel movements and consider seeking medical advice.

Frequently asked questions