Baby’s Constipation

How can I help my baby poop?

Parents get very concerned when their baby isn’t having poopy diapers after every feeding or at least once a day. It is very important to understand your baby’s changing bowel habits as they grow during the first few weeks of life.

Newborns from birth to week 4 may have 1 – 10 bowel movements a day. These poops are generally greenish brown to yellow seedy in color and soft or loose in consistency.

After weeks 4 – 6, the baby can go as many as four to seven days without passing any stools. As long as the baby is having at least 4 – 7 wet (urine) diapers, NOT pooping can be normal.

If the baby seems to be having any distress from not having a bowel movement after a few days, you may want to try some of these remedies:

• Placing the baby’s bottom in a basin with warm water can cause the sphincter muscle of the rectum to relax, letting the bowel movement release.
• Some pediatricians will suggest you try using rectal stimulation with a rectal thermometer. You will need to place coconut oil or lubricating jelly on the tip of the thermometer and insert the tip into the baby’s rectum about 1/4 inch deep. Gently move the thermometer side to side to stimulate.
• Using a glycerin suppository may promote the baby’s ability to have a bowel movement. Place 1/3 – 1/2 of a glycerin suppository stick into the baby’s rectum.
• Breastfeeding moms can have dried apricots, prunes or other foods that promote bowel movements.

Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician if your baby still seems distressed after trying some of the home remedies listed above.
Still concerned about baby’s difficult bowel movements? Reach out to a healthcare professional on our team for more personalized care.