Newborn Not Pooping: What Worries New Parents?

Newborns can go anywhere from a few days to a week without pooping, and this is usually normal. However, if your newborn hasn't pooped in four days or more, it could be a sign of constipation, and you should call your pediatrician.

Breastfed babies can go a week without pooping

It's understandable to be concerned about your newborn's bowel movements, but it's important to remember that there is a wide range of normal when it comes to stool frequency in babies. Breastfed infants tend to have bowel movements more frequently than formula-fed infants, especially in the early days. However, it is not uncommon for breastfed babies to go a week without pooping as they get older.

During the first few weeks of life, a breastfed newborn can be expected to poop after nearly every feeding session, which can be as often as eight to ten times a day. This is due to their immature gastrocolic reflex, which signals their colon to empty whenever their stomach stretches with food. As they get older, their digestive system matures, and they start to use up almost all the components of breast milk for nutrition, resulting in less waste.

After a few weeks, a breastfed baby's stool schedule will change, and they may poop about three to four times per day. Once a breastfed baby is older than six weeks, their stool frequency may decrease even further, and they may poop as little as once a week. This reduced frequency is because breast milk has the perfect nutritional balance for babies, resulting in minimal waste.

While it is not usually a cause for concern if your breastfed baby goes a week without pooping, it is important to pay attention to their mood and behaviour. If they seem fussier or more uncomfortable than usual, especially after feedings, or if they lose their appetite, it could be a sign of constipation. Other signs of constipation include hard stool consistency, slight bleeding after bowel movements, refusal to eat, and strained faces while pooping. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult your paediatrician.

In summary, while breastfed babies may go a week without pooping, it is important to monitor their overall well-being and consult a doctor if you have any concerns about constipation or other potential issues.

Newborns should poop within 24 hours of birth

After the initial meconium, a newborn's stool will transition to a regular stool, which is typically yellow and softer or more liquid in consistency. This typically happens within the first few days of life.

Breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed babies. Breastfed infants may poop after every feeding, while formula-fed babies may go a couple of days without a bowel movement. This is because breast milk is easily digested, leaving minimal waste.

It's important to monitor your baby's bowel movements and be aware of any signs of constipation or other gastrointestinal issues. If your baby goes more than a week without pooping, contact your pediatrician.

Some signs of constipation include hard, dry, pellet-like stools, excessive straining or crying during bowel movements, and abdominal discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, consider seeking medical advice.

Hard, pellet-like stools indicate constipation

Constipation in newborns is common and often normal. It can be distressing to witness your baby straining and turning red while trying to pass a stool, but this is not unusual. The frequency of your baby's bowel movements is less important than their consistency. Hard, pellet-like stools indicate constipation.

Constipation is characterised by hard, dry stools that are difficult for your baby to pass. It can be painful for your baby to pass these stools, and they may cry or show signs of strain. In some cases, constipation can cause tears or cracks in the skin around the anus, which may bleed.

If your baby is constipated, their stomach may appear bloated or larger than usual. You may also be able to feel the hard, solid lumps of stool by gently pressing on their stomach.

Constipation is often caused by a change in diet, such as switching from breast milk to formula or starting solid foods. It is more common in bottle-fed infants than in breastfed babies. However, breastfed babies can also experience constipation, especially if they are not getting enough fluids.

If your baby is constipated, there are several things you can do to help:

• Offer extra fluids, such as water or boiled and cooled water if they are old enough to drink.
• Gently rub and massage their stomach to stimulate the bowel and help manage pain.
• Give them a warm bath to relax and soothe discomfort.
• If your baby is older than six months, gradually increase their fibre intake with fruits, vegetables, stewed prunes, or apricots.
• For babies over nine months old, try adding cereal with bran to their diet.
• For older babies, dilute prune juice with water and start with small amounts, gradually increasing until they can pass a soft stool.

If these measures do not help, consult your doctor, as your baby may need medication to treat the constipation. Remember, it is important to seek medical advice if your baby seems to be in pain or if you notice blood in their stool.

Straining and turning red is normal, even with no stool for a day or two

It is common for newborns to strain, twist, and turn red while trying to pass stool, even if they haven't passed any stool for a day or two. This is because their intestines are still immature, and their bodies are learning how to break down the milk they drink into amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats. Some babies may also have colic, which adds to their digestion problems.

The frequency of newborn bowel movements can vary greatly. Some babies may poop after every feeding, while others may go several days without a bowel movement. This is normal, as breast milk or formula is efficiently absorbed, leaving less waste to be expelled. Breastfed babies, in particular, can go several days without a bowel movement because breast milk is easily digested, resulting in minimal waste.

However, it's important to monitor your baby's bowel movements and comfort level. If your baby seems uncomfortable, irritable, or is crying during bowel movements, it could indicate constipation. Other signs of constipation include hard, dry, pellet-like stools that are difficult to pass. If you notice these signs, consider seeking medical advice, especially if the issue persists.

While it's normal for babies to have occasional periods without pooping, if your baby goes more than a week without a bowel movement, it's time to seek medical attention. This is true regardless of whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed.

If your newborn hasn't pooped in four days, call your paediatrician

Newborns have varying pooping frequencies. Some defecate after every feed, while 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.

Breastfed babies, in particular, can go several days without pooping as breast milk is easily digested, resulting in minimal waste. It is not unusual for them to have a bowel movement once a week. As long as your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and doesn't seem uncomfortable, there is usually no cause for concern.

However, if your newborn hasn't pooped in four days, it is important to call your paediatrician. This could be a sign of constipation, especially if the stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Other signs of constipation include excessive straining or crying during bowel movements, and abdominal discomfort, which may manifest as clenched fists or an arched back.

If your baby is constipated, there are some safe and effective solutions you can try at home. Start by offering 1 ounce of straight water. If there is no improvement after 4 hours, give 1 ounce of straight prune juice. Continue alternating water and prune juice every 4 hours, gradually increasing the amount if needed. If this doesn't help, you can try a paediatric glycerin suppository.

It is important to monitor your baby's bowel movements and be aware of any signs of constipation or discomfort. Persistent or severe constipation may require medical attention, as it could indicate underlying medical conditions such as food sensitivities or gastrointestinal issues.

Frequently asked questions