Dr. Greene’s Answer:
As long as your son is in diapers, every single poop will be right there for you to see when the diaper is changed. During these years, the stools undergo several changes. The first poops are the thick, sticky, tarry meconium stools that consist partly of old skin cells that are shed and then swallowed while the baby is still inside you.
During the first week, these give way, in breast-fed babies, to soft, yellow, breast-milk stools. These usually look like yellow mustard with little seeds.
How Often Should Babies Have a Dirty Diaper?
By the time a baby is one week old, he has an average of 8 to 10 of these pleasant (as stools go) stools each day.
You can imagine that if these were 8 to 10 stinky stools, or if even the pleasant (as stools go) stools kept up at this pace, changing diapers would get real old real fast.
For most breast-fed babies, the number drops to about 4 per day by 4 weeks old (although many kids have a different pattern).
Formula-fed babies usually stool less often at this age, and the stools do not change much with time until solid foods are introduced (because, unlike breast milk, formula doesn’t change over time). Formula-fed stools are often tan or yellow at this stage and a little firmer than breast-milk stools.
For any baby, tan, yellow, green, or brown stools can all be normal.
By 8 weeks old, the number of dirty diapers drops again, however, there remains a wide range of normal. Most formula-fed babies will not go less often than daily, but many breast-fed kids will poop even less often than this. I know many babies who only go every three or four days.
If a happy formula-fed baby goes 4 days, or a breast-fed baby goes 7 days without a stool, I recommend that he or she be checked once by a pediatrician. If the child seems to be in pain, has vomiting, or has blood in the stool, he should be seen by the pediatrician immediately. Otherwise, it can be completely normal to go only once every eight days — as long as the stool is soft when it comes out and your baby is eating well in between. Breast milk is an amazing food that leaves very little in the way of waste.
Is Straining Normal for a Baby?
Babies will strain from time to time to move the stool along through the intestines. If you want to do something when babies grunt, push, or strain, try picking them up to get gravity to help them in their efforts, or try holding the knees against the chest to help them “squat” — the natural poop position. Sometimes moving their legs in a bicycle motion may also help move the gas and stool down through the intestines. Straining is usually normal. Crying while straining may be a sign of constipation, but could also be related to painful gas as well.
Babies and Constipation: When to Contact Your Doctor
When a child is constipated, the stool in the intestines has backed up more than it should. What “more than it should” means varies depending on the age of the child and the diet. The longer stool sits in the colon, the more water is absorbed back into the body. When a child is constipated the stool tends to be hard, larger in volume than typical, and painful to pass.
Stool that is hard (firmer than peanut butter) or foul-smelling (you’ll know) in a child who has not yet had solid foods may represent something as simple as needing more to drink (especially during hot weather), but it may also be the sign of a disease. Contact your pediatrician to discuss the situation. Also, contact your pediatrician if your baby is less than a month old and hasn’t gone for 4 days.
If the baby is otherwise healthy and is older than 4 months, one teaspoon of pure maple syrup in 4 ounces of water will often get things back on track. When kids begin to take baby food, the stools change once again. They may be either softer or firmer, but they will likely smell worse (kids also smile and laugh more at this age, more than making up for the unpleasantness). Most children’s intestines are very responsive to the foods they eat, and their stools can often even resemble what they ate.
Babies and Constipation: Foods that Do, Foods that Don’t
Foods that tend to produce firmer stool:
- Bananas
- Rice cereal
- Applesauce
- Carrots and squash are constipating for some babies.
Foods that tend to produce softer stool:
- Pears
- Peaches
- Plums
- Apricots
- Peas
- Prunes
By balancing the diet, you can often keep the stools comfortably mid-range. If the stools are still too firm, juice is the gentlest medicine to soften them up. Two ounces of apple juice twice a day is a good bet. If this doesn’t work, prune juice is even better. Also, when your son is straining you might want to put him in a tub of warm water. This will relax his muscles and make the stool easier to pass.
Spit Up and Constipation
When kids in the first month or two spit up, it is much more likely to be a mechanical issue than a formula intolerance. The valve at the top of the stomach may be too loose (so it can’t hold things in), the valve at the bottom of the stomach may be too tight (so the stomach gets too full), or big air bubbles may take up too much room.
Smaller, more frequent feedings are more likely to help than switching formulas. If “projectile splat” of spit-up shoots across the room, it’s important to consider the condition called “pyloric stenosis”. Here, the too-tight valve at the bottom of the stomach needs to be treated.
If your baby is experiencing constipation, the most likely cause is liquid not getting in (and staying in) — again more likely than a formula intolerance. Different formulas do produce different consistencies of stools, and switching formulas may help. Sometimes spitting up and constipation may signify a milk protein intolerance or allergy. A special formula may be prescribed by a pediatrician in these cases.
Babies and Constipation: When Diet Doesn’t Do the Trick
Glycerin suppositories can be very helpful if diet and juice don’t work, but constipation that is stubborn enough to make these optimal should be discussed with your pediatrician. The same holds true for baby laxatives (hint: if your pediatrician does recommend a laxative, unprocessed bran, 1/2 teaspoon mixed with food twice a day is much cheaper than Maltsupex, and about as effective).
For most breast-fed babies, a 3-day break from dirty diapers is a reason to celebrate, not a cause for alarm. It’s nature’s reminder that breast milk is the perfect food for babies — or more broadly, that giving of yourself is a perfect gift for your child. This normal poop-pause is also a little foretaste of what life will be like when there are no more dirty diapers!
Resources and References
Loening-Baucke V. Prevalence, symptoms and outcome of constipation in infants and toddlers. J Pediatr 2005; 146:359.
Tabbers MM, et al. Evaluation and treatment of functional constipation in infants and children: evidence-based recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2014; 58:258.
Photo credit: Minnie Zhou
Annie B
Hi doctor my baby has been straining the whole night to poop what should I do or maybe are there any baby syrup I can give to ease constipation
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Hi Annie,
Thanks for writing in.
Dr. Greene says, “If the baby is otherwise healthy, one teaspoon of pure maple syrup in 4 ounces of water will often get things back on track.” If you are unsure if your baby is well, I would recommend contacting your child’s doctor.
I hope that helps.
Best, @MsGreene
Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
Added:
Sandra
Hi Doctor my baby tries like four times a day to pass stools she sweats and still nothing sometimes she even cries. she has had this problem since birth now she is 18 months
Added:
Lenni Doyel
What have you tried? Have you talked to her doctor about the possibility of a milk intolerance?
Added:
Gabriel
Dr.please my child is 6month old and she strain to pass stool and she hasn’t stool for 5 days…please help at this situation or what would you advice me
Added:
Isha
Hi my one month baby hasn’t pass stool for two days he only forcing but nothing happens what can be the problem?
Added:
Charity
Dr. Please my baby is 4weeks old and strain to pass out gas he cries every night and hasn’t pass out stool for 3days am worried
Added:
maham mazhar
my baby is 9 months old. till 1st three months she was a colic baby.
thn in her 5th month she had bad dirrahoea and aftr 3 weeks she was fine and then she did black poops we tested her FOBT and results were fine.no blood in her poop. dr. said to stop gvng hr milk n food whch has milk in it and rhere black poop stoppd immediatly.but now from 6th month to 9th month she is badly constipated. no laxative is workng on her. i tried restrolax and lactoluse as advised by dr. but unfortunatly it ddnt wrkd that much. she passes stool but wth extremly diffklty. pain and cryng.
dr. askd hr ti chnge hr formula mik. i gve hr soya milk but still constipation is there she said baby is allergic to milk and gve hr soya milk. i tried enfamil. similac and soya but still constipation is there.
what to do i need yr hlp dr.?
Added:
Anna Mosadi
My 5 months old baby takes maize cereal and bottle feeds he has not popped for 4 days now ,I’ve given him 2ound of water to try and help him but now he can’t stop crying pls help m worried.
Added:
Rosa areses
Hi doctor my 7 weeks old baby girl is crying when i pick her up and her hands are up when she cries i don’t know WHY especially when i pick her up and hold her on the arm on left side what can it be
Added:
baby asher
I don’t know if this helps. I put a little bit of aciete de manzanilla in my palm and rub it on my baby’s tummy. He didn’t have the problem of farting any more. He even fart more in his sleep. And be sure to not expose your baby’s tummy in air especially if you’re living in cold areas.
Added:
elsie
Hy my newborn baby his on formula and am worried cause his 5 days not pooping why
Added:
Marsha
I have a 2 1/2 yr old son who has been constipated for the past week nothing is working on him, i tried the suppositories, fleet, prune juice, chewables for children….i dont know what to give him took him to urgent care couple of days ago dr. said give him water, fruits and vegetables…but he is at the point now where he doesnt want to eat or drink anything
Added:
Shardareyette Thomas
I have a 1 month old daughter, doin to be 2 months on January 28, 2017. She goes pass 3 days without having a bowel movement. She gets real fussy especially when trying to pass gas. I have been using Karo syrup in her infamil liquid milk but not helping. I have bought the gripe water and the little remedies gas relief and that’s also not helping.
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Shardareyette,
Have you discussed a possible milk intolerance with her pediatrician? Switching to a non-cow milk formula, such as soy, can help some kids. It can take several switches to find the right match for a baby.
I hope that helps.
Best, @MsGreene
Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
Added:
Rena
There a technique I learned when my first child was born that helps tremendously but you have to very exact with it and if you do it too often it might trick their body into relying on it later in their childhood…..baby belly massage
1. Start at the right side of your babys belly, on the inside of the top of hip and take your first and middle finger and press gently but firmly, guide your finger straight up to right below the rib cage….stop but do not remove your fingers from babys belly unless you are repeating the step.(you may do this one to three times, count the times you do this and repeat each move the same amount..)2. From the end of step 1 move your pattern to the other side of babys belly right below their left rib cage and stop…repeat this movement the exact amount of times you did step one..3. From the end of step 2 move down toward the inside of babys hip and repeat the exact amount of times you did with step 1 &2….Please keep in mind not to do this too often as babys body will come to expect and demand it in order to relieve gas and fesus later…(I learned that the hard way with my second child) I had to rub his belly constently in order for him to not be highly uncomfortable…Once maybe twice a month relying on this techniques has defin. Helped for my other two youngest also. If done properly it should look like you were drawing the top and sides of a square but not the bottom…you can help guide the bubbles out of their tummy and help their body learn quickly to do it for themselves…P.S you may test this on yourself also I was afraid with my first one, even though I learned it at the hospital…so I tried it out b4 several times tomake sure it wouldnt do any harm to my lil angel.
Added:
Lindiwe
Hi Dr. My 7week baby hasn’t poop its 4days now.should i be worried? I tried to give her gripe water and Philips but it didn’t work.she only fart instead of poop.
Added:
Alexandra Carmichael
Hi Lindiwe,
Thanks for writing in! Dr. Greene says in the article, “If a happy formula-fed baby goes 4 days, or a breast-fed baby goes 7 days without a stool, I recommend that he or she be checked once by a pediatrician. If the child seems to be in pain, has vomiting, or has blood in the stool, he should be seen by the pediatrician immediately. Otherwise, it can be completely normal to go only once every eight days — as long as the stool is soft when it comes out.”
Hope that helps!
Alexandra (caring helper at drgreene.com, not a doctor)
Added:
Firoz
My baby is 2 month old boy, he have Hernia, Doctor told me to wait till his weight gain to 5 kg, but as a parent feel worry, what to do in this case ? what is the remedy ? is he need to surgical operation ? is it ok for 2 month old boy ?
Added:
Firoz
My son is 2 month old, he is completely breastfeed baby, after one week of his birth his poop is irregular,sometimes one week, then start using Glycerine suppositor every after 3 days, then he poops, is it normal ? whats the reason ? what measure should be taken ?
Added:
Nashrullah
Hi…Dr.Greene….I have a 3yr old baby gal…known with sturge weber syndrome plus….anyway she are having trouble pooing at the moment she have the flu but no fever which means no infection …since yesterday she been crying more like nagging and this morning she did not want to drink or eat I kinda force her because I need her to stay hydrated….she have not slept much but since 7h15am she been on and off sleeping …she on seizure meds I gave laxative to see if it will help but nothing yet…I gave yogurt and water and even 4spoons of mashed butternut….she haven’t pee’d yet either and I try my best to give liquids ….dayhosp let’s us sit there without help and big Hosp don’t see us unless she gets a seizure…..clinic is closed….if her chest is tight I put her on a NEP…for pain I administer pain meds…please what else can I do..
Added:
Olusola
Hi Dr Greene, my baby is 7 months old and has been passing really hard stool since he turned 6 months. He strains and cries before he passes each stool and when it does come out it is really hard and foul smelling. He doesn’t like water, I’ve tried fruits, diluted juice, all sorts but it hasn’t helped. Please HELP, what do I do???
Added:
Ciara
I came across both your article and this blog http://mammaeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/should-my-breastfed-baby-poo-every-day.html
while looking for help re my 5 month old not having pooped in 3 days and am now rather confused whether I should be doing something to help my little one and taking her to the doctor tomorrow or if I should be enjoying the break from dirty nappies!
Added:
Cherie Farrell
The article mentions pure maple syrup in 4 oz of water to get things back on track for a breastfed baby. Does the mother drink this or the baby?
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Hi Cherie,
That is for baby, but depends a bit on how old the baby is. How old is your baby?
Best, @MsGreene
Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom
Note: Not Dr. Greene, not a doctor. Keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
Added:
Arif
Hi my baby is 50% breast fed & 50% formula fed. From last 32 hours she didn’t through any stool. She is only 8 days old. kindly advise me that is it normal or not. What can I do if it is not normal. Please advise asap.
Added:
Ana
Hello Arif,
I went through the same situation a couple months back. My baby was 50% breast fed and 50% formula fed. When this happened to me when he was born, The Doctor told me to wait 3-4 days if no stools then to call the doctor office, and he ended up going on the third day.
I hope this helps
Best Regards,
Ana
Added:
Juyal
Hi my baby is fully formula fed since day 1 and used to pass motions every three days offlate this has changed and she sometimes goes without poop for seven days and which is when our pd recommended a glycerin suppository. After using a suppository she passed stool which was not very thick (the usual consistency) with some dark mustard seeds like bit. She is otherwise a very happy baby but has again not passed motion since five days. What do I do,plz help
Added:
Victoria
hi,my baby is a month old and each time he wants to pee,poop or fart he cries a lot,pls what should i do because its becoming uncomfortable
Added:
ceclila sono
My boy is 1 month old and did not poop for 2 days,he makes grunting noises like his having cramps ,l tried telament colic drops and telament gripe water nothing is helping
Added:
Kath
My daughter is 2 months old turning 3 months on august 31,,she didnt poops for 2 days what should i do?she is formula milk.
Added:
ntuli
my daughter is six week, old pass gas a lot but takes a day without any poop if shes does poop its only once in the morning or night .im worried because I was introducing formula when the was a sudden change now im still breastfeeding but no change.she is not crying bt grunt a lot.
Added:
Rabail
My babay is eight month old and she didnt poo for five days even she dont feel urge to do poo she is playing normaly as before i am worried what to do???
Added:
unathi
We recently introduced our daughter to cow’s milk and now she is constipated. She is not eating well and was drinking 1.200ml of milk so the doctor suggested that we reduce her milk intake to encourage her to eat. She’s only had cows milk for 2 days. Not sure if I should stop giving cows milk and go back to Nan or give her skim milk. Because she’s a bit chubby the doctor said it was fine to give her fat free milk. Please can you advice me on how I should proceed.
Added:
Lindy-Anna Singh
My son is six weeks old he is breastfeeding only but he seems to be constipated I know it was cause by coffee that I drank but what can I do or give him to help him poop
Added:
Farzana
My daughter is 10 years old. She face constipation problem sometimes. Kindly tell me any. medicine to solve her constipation problem.
Added:
Laurie
You could try clycerin suppository or prune juice my daughter was constipated at that age and younger it worked for her! I’m also a baby nurse
Added:
Laura
I have a 4 month old. He is formula and breast fed. The reason for this is because I work; therfore, he is formula-fed during the day while at the babysitter and then breastfed when I get home from work. But where I’m getting is that he can go 4 days without a dirty diaper. Last time he has a dirty diaper his pooped was hard. Is that normal? What should I do? We did tried juice, but he had an allergic reaction so his pediatrician did no more juiced for him until further notice. And I don’t feel save using suppositories.
Added:
lerato
hello you should try kayro syrup is the best
Added:
Sarah
My son is 6 week old and hasn’t pooped since yesterday morning I tryed brown sugar and boiled water and not working he is doing his wet nappies and feeding he just can’t go stool and is trying his best I don’t know Wat else I can do I done d legs and rubbing on stomach still no joy
Added:
Bennie
Breast Fed baby – Our daughter is 12 weeks old and over the last week we have seen her go from pooping 5 to 10 times a day to going a day or 2 between pooping. Her stool has also changed from a creamy to almost like soft peanut butter. Yesterday she started crying uncontrollable about 11am and did this off and on until 10pm last night. We have been giving gas drops and a probiotic since she was about 2 weeks old. Does not have colic. Does often have gas. We took her to the pediatrician today and they stimulated a bowel movement. My wife has not changed her diet or anything. The pediatrician recommended giving 3 oz of water a few times a day to help with the constipation. We also do the exercising the legs laying on the floor and rubbing the belly pretty frequently. It is just a little alarming because of the uncontrollable crying that started yesterday. She sleep fine like she normally does from 9pm to about 6 am, but my wife said she started the crying again this morning. Any suggestions?
Added:
Bennie
update – I called our regular pediatrician this morning and she recommended not giving water. The pediatrician we saw yesterday morning stimulated her and she had a stool. My wife gave her a pediatric glycerin suppository 1/2 dose and she went to the bathroom again yesterday afternoon. We thought this would provide some relief, but she was still fussy crying yesterday afternoon and crying uncontrollably last night. We put her in a warm bath and she didn’t cry, but after that she starting crying uncontrollably again until she nursed and then went to sleep. She slept fine during the night, but woke up this morning crying again.
Added:
Brittney
My baby just turned 4 weeks old today and has gone anywhere between 6-9 days between poops. When we were in the hospital the first 2 days he pooped alot and it was the meconium stuff that you’d expect. Since bringing him home he has only pooped 3 times! Each time it has been the size of a dime or less and it’s red clay colored and the texture of play doh. The pediatrician finally took a look at him this week and insists that this is normal for an exclusive breast fed baby but is concerned because the baby has not gained any weight since his initial gaining back the birth weight the first week. We’ve been using gripe water for his gas but he has just gotten fussier and fussier and seems to be in pain and wanting to eat constantly. He has alot of wet diapers though which is why the pediatrician is saying the bowel movements are normal. What should I try to help my baby?
Added:
Ron Hembree
We’re also going through same stuff bowel movements got better but switched to soy formula witch made the bowel movements better. Just concerned cause our daughter Hailey Hembree, is still struggling with extreme gas and pain from it have tried gripe water, mylicon, prune juice, Apple juice, of course all the exercising and burping southing comforting her shoot anything. I was thinking that I would like to try and give her 2oz. Of Apple juice regularly only if it doesn’t make her worse? Please help! :)
Added:
jen
9 week old baby doing fine on formula but seems to get constipated sometimes. dr recommended 1 tsp karo syrup in bottle every 2-3. it seemed to be helping for awhile but last 2 days he is not very interested in feedings and isn’t eating as much as before. he used to suck down 4-6 oz now eats 3-4. after 2 oz he acts like he doesn’t want it. also been alittle more fussy. don’t know if it sounds like formula issue or what. confused and worried
Added:
dineo
My baby is 8 weeks breastfeding and in the past weeks he have been bee and poop once or twice in a week but now he struggle a lot to poop. He is not cry but u can see him from his face. So what can I do to help him cause I feel lyk cryn on when I see him that way
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Dineo,
Is your baby peeing a normal amount? I am not able to tell from your question. If he is not peeing, you need to see a doctor as he may be very dehydrated.
At 8 weeks, some breastfed babies do not poop frequently. That can be okay, but it sounds like he is uncomfortable and may need help.
Please respond with more details.
I’m so sorry you are both going through this.
@MsGreene
Added:
Charlie
My baby is 1 month and 3 days old. She’s formula feed. Every night between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. she crying as if she is straining to fart or poop. She poops every 2-3 days but it is like clay. This has been happening since the first night in the hospital. Her Dr. says that is fine. Gave her Kayro syrup once and that was the best sleep she have had. How often can we give her Kayro syrup
Added:
Mrs Churchill
My 2months old baby boy has always had a very healthy pooping since he was born,But I noticed that for the past one day he hadn’t pooped at all but he is eating really well and sleeping fine too..Am very worried and need some advice or help.
Added:
Yocheved24
Hello, my baby is 8 weeks old and he didnt poop for 9 days already. He is breastfeeding, no fever, stomach is soft, no vomiting. He is ganing weight and pees very often. We tried everything: glycerin, gripe water, thermometer, prune juice -nothing helps. We have seen 3 pediatricians already who said that its fine, we just have to wait. However, all our relatives are very worried and pushing us to go to er and to do sanogram or xray. I am not excited to spend 9 hours in er with my baby, plus, bringing him under radiation… Please, advice me what to do. Should i really to be worried and run to er? Or should i wait few more days?
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Greetings,
I can understand why your family would be concerned, but this can be perfectly fine. The important thing at this point is that he has been seen by a doctor. This on top of his gaining weight, feeding well, no fever, no vomiting, and a soft belly would not lead me to rush to the ER.
Sounds to me like you’re doing the right thing and he has a very efficient digestive system.
Best,
@MsGreene
Co-founder and Executive Producer, DrGreene.com (Note: I’m an experienced mom, but not a doctor.)
Added:
Danielle
My son is 2 months old and is exclusively breastfeeding. Usually he has a bowel movement everyday about 2-3 times. The other night he had no poop, but then had a major one by 10 or 11. Last night the same thing, but all day no poop. He has been crying and clinging to me all day, I try to put him down and he just screams. The last couple feedings he ate but spit it back up almost immediately. What should I do?
Added:
Elissa
My son is 8 months old and was also 6 weeks early. We started him on baby food at 6 months and he since then has only pooped every 4-5 days. 6 days being the longest stint. This concerns me because I don’t feel it is normal but at the same time he doesn’t seem to display any discomfort.
Added:
Zenny
We have the same problem with my daughter. I feel so worried. :(
Added:
Rachelle
My 2 month old daughter hasn’t pooped for 2 days now. Is that normal or do I need to get her checked out???
Added:
lulu
My daughter is one month old but at 3 weeks her pooping changed. She is a formula and breast-fed baby. She can go for like 3 to 4 days without pooping. I give her little water, but still no change and am kind of worried. Is there anything I can use?
Added:
Shirley
My son is formula and breastfed also and does the same thing. I’ve found that Mommys bliss helps him a lot when he goes a few days without pooping. By 5-6 hours after giving it to him he poops. It may work for your baby too
Added:
Anna
My baby is 8 weeks old and she usually poops like twice a day but she started going once every 2 days and right now today is 3 days and she hasn’t poop yet. She is a breast fed baby and she doesn’t poop hard even after two days. But she cries a lot when she passes gas. Is this normal?
Added:
Eric
My 9 month old daughter hasn’t gone pooping in 30 plus hours and when I feed her, she throws it up the past 12 hours, sometimes I mix the baby formula with some baby cereal. But, now she hasn’t pooped in hours can you help me
Added:
Tracy-Lee
My son is 6 weeks old, he is breast and formula fed since birth. He has not pooped in 2 days, before he would poop daily. He is also throwing up every time he is fed formula now. Could he be constipated? Is there anything I can give him to get things going?
Should I stop the formula feeding due to him throwing up a slimy substance of milk after feeding?
Please help.
Added:
shiny
My son is three months now I used to breast feed him all these days but for past 4 days in night I feed him with formula.before feeding him he pooped once in a day but after feeding him formula for past 3 days he dint pooped. Please suggest what to do
Added:
Anthony
Earlier Saturday i read on your web site that a constipated baby i month old could be given 1teaspoonof 100% pure maple syrup in 4ounces of water would help relieve his pooping issues.today Sunday i cannot find your response to this matter of constipation.i told my son what you said and he wants to see your response himself and i can’t find it.thank you…… my grandson is one month old and is being breast fed and has a pooping problem ………… not pooping. help me out here my son thinks i made it up.
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Here is the article you’re looking for: Babies and Constipation.
Added:
lisa
my 9 week old baby girl was 6 week premature and is on sma formula bottle and can not poop on her own ive ried different milks held her legs up to belly pulled her check apart as was told by health visit but she simply do not poop on her own she can go 3-4 maybe 5 days without going till someone helps her
Added:
morga jobe
My daughter has been having the same problem and i have her on Similac sensitive… my pediatrician said its normal but she hasn’t pooped since Tuesday… have you figured something out to make your daughter poop? I’ve tried more water, prune juice, pear juice… nothing seems to help.
Added:
buyie
My one month premeture baby boy is on formula is not poop please help
Added:
Hosai
My 2months old baby did not poop from 4 days. Does he constipated? I breastfeed him and also bottle, because i do not have enough milk supply, what can i do please reply.
Thankd
Added:
Amanda Clark
My 2 month old is breastfed and hasn’t pooped in 4 days. She is fussy and trys to strain I have put her legs to her chest but nothing comes out. I feel so bad for her please tell me what I can do to help her.
Added:
olamide
Try using cotton bud, dip the cottoned part fully inside petroleum jelly(vaseline). Insert the cottoned part into her anus, swipe it left and right, up and down to relax the muscles around the anus. Do it only when she is pressing to poo.
Added:
Pablo
My baby is one month old and is constipated, she is very fussy and tries to push often but can’t get anything out. She is formula and breast fed as requested by our doctor two weeks ago. Is there anything we can do to help?
Added:
Lana Windham
My son has been having problems with poop since he was about 4wks old. He had very regular poops and then they just stopped I took notice after the third day this went on for 2weeks I waited. Pediatrician told me to give him his temp three times that day. It was already going on 2wks and a few days.that did not work so I gave him about a 1\4 of some pedilax liquid suppository. That worked and a lot came out. Since then he switched to glycerine suppository. That was a little over a week later. He’s not a fussy baby but has very strong gas with all this going on. I’ve massaged his belly did the tub time massaged his butt and his feet. He strains but still nothing just smears that vary in size. I’m very worried and I’m not getting help!!!!
Added:
Sarah
My 9 month old son is breastfed and also eats solids 2-3 times a day. He is very constipated and will go days without stooling then he will have a large hard stool stuck in his rectum. I am not sure what to do or how to help him. I feel so bad hearing him scream and struggle. He refuses all juice and water no matter the temperature or the combination. Ive been told to use Karo syrup but I am not sure if it is safe. Any suggestions?
Added:
Cheryl Greene
What solids is he eating?
Added:
I am
From what I understand, there are these Iron supplements that can be avoided in favor of natural organic greens for Iron including avoiding junk food, especially processed food. What you eat is what you give to your baby. If baby is too young, you can basically eat the fruits for the baby. Karo syrup, prune juice diluted in water, fennel tea, gripe water also help.
Tummy oil massages, leg pumping, tamarind dipped in oil or thermometer stimulation in bottom, including keep baby upright position to allow gravity to do the job.
This is besides warm baths and mom eating healthy foods/fruits themselves help babies avoid constipation.
Added:
Cheryl Greene
What we eat is so important to our whole digestive system.
When you say “You can basically eat the fruits for the baby”, we can assume you are referring only to breastfeeding moms.
Added:
Jamie
My 5 month old recently transitioned from breast milk to formula about 2 weeks ago. The past two days she has been trying to poop. Each diaper change there is a small amount and when I lift her legs to wipe, she strains pushes and cries to try and get the rest out. Her stool is soft but formed since she now takes baby food too.. Any recommendations to help her pass her stool easier?
Added:
Cheryl Greene
The switch from breastmilk to formula and the addition of solid foods means a lot has changed. What foods is she eating?
Have you seen Dr. Greene’s Guide to Starting Solids? It includes some great ideas for baby’s early foods.
Added:
Tokunbo
My baby is 1 month and 9 days old and she didn’t poop for 4 days now but she fart …which make me scared hope is normal
Added:
C.M
When my baby was 6 weeks old & 1 day he passed stool & 6 days passed (7 weeks now) & he didnt pass any stool so I was told by a friend to gove him gerber prune food. I gave him little & the same Thursday nite (7 weeks old) he passed a very big load of stool from Thursday night until now Sunday evening he doesnt pass any stool. I’m really worried. Hes both formula (2-3 times a day) & breast feed the rest of times of the day. I give him water sometimes after formula feed. What am I doing wrong & is something wrong with my baby? I gave him Nestle Good Start (GENTLE) because hes very gassy. Please to help me out
Added:
Tokunbo
My baby is 1 month and 9 days and she hasn’t poop for 4 days now but she’s breastfeeding well but am scared is it normal
Added:
debra
My .baby is 2 weeks old on Enfamil regulIne you seem to be straining inscriptions up like he’s in painpand has a lot of gas he does 1 0k poop that’s like peanut butter not allot and then it’s like little Splaters. he seems very uncomfortable then I need about 4 days the Cairo syrup in his bottles not working should I change his formula or what should I do he seems very uncomfortable and not sure if that’s normal for a little bit or how many days it would take for him to get used to the formula
Added:
Prisca mauricio
My daughter is 7 weeks. She has not pooped for 4 days now, but passing smelly wind (farting). She is also breastfeeding her normal. Is dis a problem? She doesn’t look sick at all. Any help?
Added:
Paula
My 13 month old has has constipation for almost a month now. We have went to the doctor twice and they just keep saying add more miralax to her drinks. She strains and her face turns red, her legs stiffen out and she lays on her stomach screaming and nothing comes out. When something does come out it is usually a small hard stool and her boots starts bleeding. I am at a lose on what to do. Her doctor just keeps saying add more miralax but she is getting 3 teaspoons a day.
Added:
maria
My baby is 7 days old and has gone 2 days without pooping ? I am breastfeeding her and giving her formula. I’m really worried. She’s not bloated, but I would like her to poop.
Added:
InfaRED
Mamil is more preferable because Enfagrow is more expensive than Mamil FM. My neighbor told me that she just switched FM brand to Mamil from it, her lo no longer constipate after drink Mamil. It is because Mamil ingredients help to prevent children with constipation. It also contains high level of DHA and no sucrose in all formulation.
Added:
Mrs. Superman
Enfagrow pretty good! My boy seldom suffer in colic since consumed Enfagrow from S-24
Added:
Cherry
We have found some brown sugar dissolved in water on the occasions when our son’s allergy issues have left him constipated. Would definitely push your GP for some allergy tests….
Added:
Chanell
I will never let my kids rely on medication IMO. No matter adults or children, rely on medication in long term will cause health affected. When my children constipate, I will use natural remedy to heal him. Of course, normally I would let him eat more vegetables and fruits in order to be able to prevent constipation. However, as far as I know different brands of infant formula milk have different ingredients, children are quite sensitive with it. Is it your child is not fit to drink with the current formula milk brand?
Added:
Tabii
My DD has always suffered from constipation since she was 2. She is now 4 1/2 and has terrible tummy aches and only passes a rock bowel movement once a week if lucky. I fed her food with high fiber and also lots of water and fruits. Still we have been having no luck. I took her to consult DOC and was told that she has a sensitive bowel and will probably always have trouble. He suggested to give her Laxettes. I am worried about this if long term use. Has anyone else had to use medication to treat constipation?
Added:
Jasmine
My 2YO DD is diarrhea and constipated after start solid, any solution can help her to prevent this kind of issue?
Added:
Claudia
Try the food mentioned above. They works on my son.
Added:
gayaputri
i’ve also had that problem. my 3 years old daughter had fewer bowel movement. i guess it maybe cause of the travelling we did during our vacation which just messed up her routine and comfort zone. but i realize she felt hurt when she want to poo. she strained in toilet. so i gave her the food that mentioned above. but it just working for a short time. after a day, she felt hurt again when had bowel movement.
Added:
Gina
Look into hemp milk, way better than any formula based milk for a one yr old
Added:
nancyluu
As what I understand that hemp milk is made from the seeds of the edible part of the same plant (Cannabis sativa L) used to make marijuana. that why, I always curious will it safe for my kids to consume?! Sound like making my kids taking drug.. I would rather take formula cow milk…
Added:
serenemango
No,that is not correct.Hemp ia a completely different plant. It is a cousin of marijuana, just like hops, but it contains practically no THC.There is no use for this plant as a drug but its seeds are high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids making hemp milk nutritious.There are actually a bunch of great practical uses for this plant ranging from textiles to oils. But to answer your question, no, hemp milk would not hurt or dope up your baby!
Added:
azizah
I am planning to stop bf my DS anymore. As now he is reaching 1 yo already.
Anyway anyone can recommend any good milk powder that suitable for children at 1 yo?
Added:
Giva
That’s really works. Thanks for sharing.
Added:
Same L0rrr
great article
Added:
Mrs. Kwon
thanks…
Added:
Tonq
thanks!!!
Added:
Bita
My 2 month old baby is exclusively breast fed, and she didn’t poop for 3 days. I gave her tummy oil massage, and with leg pumping but didn’t work. Finally with thermometer stimulation she passed poop.
Again its three days and hasn’t passed poop. Any suggestions, many say fennel tea is good , or gripe water, I don’t want to give her anything other than breast milk.
Should I be worried about this constant constipation. I’m very careful about what I eat and have increased vegetables and fruits ..
there are Glycerin suppositories which I could use for her, but will she be dependent on them??
Added:
Mbali
My baby gal she is 7month shes is suffering from constipation since shes been introduced to solids food,her stool is very hard and like d rock n she cry a lot when she passing it i have try all the remedy but non of them is working for her!please i need help.
Added:
sarita shrestha
My daughter is 2 years old. She hasn’t done any poop for 2 days. She’s constipated.i dont know what to do to ease up her constipation. Should I be worried? What should I do?
Added:
Sumedha
My son was constipated and my mom use to put tamarind dipped in oil in his bottom and hold his legs up. It helps us alot. Even now i put it Lil bit in his butt and make him sit on a potty seat. He tries and does it in potty seat now. He completed five months yesterday :) i hate to see my baby cry in pain all constipated. So i always keep him happy by making him sit on potty seat with tamarind. Also i give karo syrup sometimes. I tried prune juice diluted in water. All the best with your babies :)
Added:
Nicole
My son is 4 month old and only breastfed. He has been going poop every 10 days or so and by the end of those days he screams and cries and is clearly in A LOT of pain. The doctors keep telling me he’s not constipated, but he isn’t pooping… He keeps going longer and longer without pooping and his fussiness gets worse and when he’s in pain he freaks out.
We were told to start him on sweet potatoes and prunes and so we have the past week and he still hasn’t pooped! Its day 10 and he’s had 2 freak outs where he is basically inconsolable and I’m at my ends wit with the stress of not knowing if something is wrong or not. Like is this normal because I know my son better then anyone and this is NOT normal. He is NOT a fussy baby at all. So for him to scream in pain, like seriously scream, at the top if his little lungs till he passes out of exhaustion isn’t normal. I can’t even get him to latch and he NEVER refuses the boob, so it’s not normal. What should I do??…
Added:
Cheryl Greene
This must be so difficult.
As a mom, if it were me, I’d take him to see a different doctor.
Added:
Val
My daughter is having a similar problem. Her pediatrician keeps telling me it’s normal that she goes between 3-6 days with out a bm. Have you found anything that helps?
Added:
Mayra
Hi. So sorry to hear the issue. Hope I’m not too late to help, but my LO had the same exact problem so I feel your pain. It’s so hard because all you want to do is help them. But my doctor said everything was fine. In my gut I knew that was not the case. My mother told me chamomile tea would help, so I fed him some warm tea with a medicine dropper, gave him a warm bath, some gas drops and wrapped my baby tight. 30 minutes later he popped. Felt much better for a week (no inconsolable crying, longer naps, less irritable) but still no poop after the one poop the week prior. Almost lost hope!
Scheduled an appointment with the main doctor owner of the place (only there once a week for circumcision) and I explained everything with detail. He told me that my LO was having a different problem and the constipation was just a coincidence… I was close to screaming! But he got into more detail, he explained BF babies can easily go up to 6 days without bowel movements (which if normal will not affect baby) but my LOs problem was worse. ACID REFLUX…. I was feeding him every 2hrs, and sometimes soothing him with nursing him. My LO refuses any pacifier. He told me to cut caffeine, sodas and spicy food from my diet. As well as only feeding him every 3 hours. Now I tried the feeding schedule since the diet restrictions were already something I was doing, it was hard to be honest since my LO always wanted to nurse, but I tried everything to soothe him instead (walks, singing, baths and car rides)… I saw results instantly.
I am sooooo thankful that I got a second opinion and listened to my gut. My baby no longer has this issue, acid reflux is under control due to a feeding schedule and the constipation is still there with poop only every 2-4 days, but no pain or discomfort. Now I understand all his symptoms, specially the one where he would refuse my breast or would grunt and pull away while nursing. He was having heartburn. Glad it’s all gone now, just wished I would of acted sooner. —-hope my story helps.
Trust your gut, your mother senses never fail.
Added:
Sheila
Sounds like a case of purple crying. Purple crying is just a description of a time period when baby cries without any particular reason other than an important part of development. Most parents new to this term without knowledge think something could be wrong with baby, such as baby is colic or in pain. It can begin between 2-3 weeks, and last until 3-4 months.
http://purplecrying.info/what-is-the-period-of-purple-crying.php
Added:
Terryterry
Thanks for the info!
Added:
cindy
Hi my son is one month old now. He’s only on formula. The name is similac advance and he sometimes poops and when he does, his poops is almost all the time green all type of green and sometime he doesn’t poop and when he doesn’t he cries. He won’t sleep. He does try to poop. He makes noise and sometimes gets all red by trying to forse himself to poop. I’m a new mom. I don’t know what to do need helps please.
Added:
Heather
As long as your baby’s stools remain a yellow or greenish color at this age, it’s perfectly normal. Maybe consult your doctor about things you can do to make passing the stools easier. Such as: rectal thermometer stimulation (can also use a q-tip with Vaseline of course, and don’t enter too far in), adding 1 tsp Karo syrup to formula bottle, adding Miralax to his diet (this would be the more recommended and safest brand to use I believe). Obviously don’t use all of the techniques. Good luck with baby ☺
Added:
mj
My daughter is 1 month old. I breast feed her and formula feed. She hasn’t done any poop for 2 days. She’s constipated. Should I be worried? What should I do?
Added:
normalmalay
My son also has the same issues.
Added:
Tebogo Mokoena
My baby is a month old and had already started eating solids like Purity Maizeand (I am also brastfeesding) but has not passed stool in two days now. Should I be worried.
Added:
Brit
A one month old baby should not be consuming solids of any kind. Only breastmilk for formula is recommended by both the WHO and the AAP.
Added:
maygun
Uhm.. whut
Your breastmilk is enough. Pumping is.definitely not a good way to measure how much you’re actually producing.
Added:
sam
It so helpful the info provide about stools. Thank you doctor.
Added:
lesliemui8888
fyi, a cheap milk formula will not do any good to your child because it may lack ingredients that will help in the growth of your child. It’s better to invest to find the right milk formula for your baby because a good one that suit your child might eliminate constipation problems.
NEVER go for cheap milk formulas, but PROVEN ones.
Added:
Halley Leong
Well there’s a lot you can find in the market now which contains Prebiotics. I used Mamil from Dumex myself for my LO. You can try it for your LO too because it really works in solving constipation problems in toddlers. IMO Mamil is a pretty good treatment for constipation in babies which you can see definite results in a week time. Hope it helps!
Added:
bunnyjerry
I only know that milk formula will help kids to be smarter. Never heard of milk powder containing Prebiotics and could solve constipation. Heaty are the main reason why kids having constipation. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is very important to prevent child’s constipation problem. There are some common good habits that I train my kids by drinking lots of water, eat fruits frequently and avoid oily and fried foods.
Added:
joellerollokostor
I have a son who is turning 2 this year, but recently he has been constipated off and on. At times I was so worried when he was constipated for 1 week straight he could be seen agitated, annoyed and lethargic. I sent him to the doc to check up. The doc just gave him a pill to make his stool softer. After that the problem came back. I went to my parents for a second opinion. What they told me could be the formula that he’s consuming that is making him constipated. They said get a formula that contains prebiotics. Are there any formulas that contain prebiotics around?
Added:
Goretty
My baby is 4 months old. He’s on soy formula since his first month because intolerant to lactosa and that makes his stool a little hard. Can I introduce him to avocado instead of cereal?
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Have you read Dr. Greene’s take on starting solids? If not, here are links pieces that will help to answer your questions:
Starting Solids
Dr. Greene’s Quick Guide to Starting Solids
WhiteOut (No white rice cereal for babies)
Added:
Alex
My 5 month old wakes up at night straining and crying. She won’t eat much if anything for couple days now and I can see the feces when I change her diaper, but can do nothing to help her. I feel so bad for my little dumb dumb head. What should I do?
Added:
Shannon
My son is 8 months old and he’s had a number of different GI issues. More recently, he’s extremely constipated and the only way to get the blocked hard stool is to use 3 glycerin liquid suppositories. This, of course, after we remove a good amount of hard stool. Before I give his history, my question is how can we keep him from getting constipated to this point?
He was exclusively breastfeed up to 5 months when I introduced formula. He was constipated before introducing the new formula. GI thought it was dairy in my diet so I modified. Still didn’t get better. He gets 5ml of Lactolose daily, which doesn’t seem to help, unless it takes a few weeks to kick in. He’s now solely on 95% lactose free Earth’s Best Formula, eating prunes and other solids, no yogurt, bananas, applesauce, but he’s still in terrible pain. Can this really hurt him long term or it’s just a phase? GI really is not cutting it or is this just common in some babies? Also, he never has blood in his stool.
Thank you!
Added:
Shannon
Dr Greene, how can I get advice on this post? Thank you.
Added:
Lucyca
Dr, Greene,
Thank you for your nice and effective advice. One more concern from my side is that at the time when stool not coming out for 2-3 day, wearing diaper is natural or not? Please advice.
Added:
ashley
My son is straining to poop and he cries and his face turnd red and I have tried what his doctor told me to do and he still ain’t pooped and what else can I do to make him poop?
Added:
emma.zubiri@yahoo.com
My grand daughter is 6months old she is constipated with her milk. What is the remedy for this? Does apple juice do for her? Hope I can hear a rely as soon as possible.
Added:
Cheryl Greene
Dr. Greene Recommends: Pears, peaches, plums, apricots, peas and prunes make stools softer. By balancing the diet, you can often keep the stools comfortably mid-range. If the stools are still too firm, juice is the gentlest medicine to soften them up. Two ounces of apple juice twice a day is a good bet. If this doesn’t work, prune juice is even better. Also, when your son is straining you might want to put him in a tub of warm water. This will relax his muscles and make the stool easier to pass.
These are all foods you can buy from your local market. The fresh fruits should be cooked and mashed into a smooth puree. The juices can be added to a bottle, but do NOT add juice to a bottle on a regular basis. This is for constipation only.
I hope that helps.
Best, @MsGreene
Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
Added:
JP
My son turned 1 today and has not pooped for the past 4-5days. We have previously had to use suppositories, but really don’t like doing that as it seems to be causing excruciating pain for the little man. PLEASE can someone help and advise on what to do?
Added:
maria
Hi. I am a new mother my son is 3 months-old. He only has breastmilk, with a little bit of organic oatmeal cereal. He hasn’t pooped since yesterday morning. Today nothing. He farts a lot, but that’s it. I was suggested to give him drops of prune juice in his milk. If that’s Ok how much? What can I do?
Added:
Ilana
Thank you for this very useful information. My 9-month-old is on breast milk, vegetables and a little water, usually. She has been so constipated that she cries terribly for up to half an hour and sometimes intermittently through the night, waking her up every couple of hours (though not every night, thank God). I gave her jarred prune baby food which seemed to help, but not 100%. I was also concerned that the added ascorbic acid preservative was not ideal. However I’ve been giving her lots of butternut squash and have not heard til reading this that it could constipate. I will try eliminating it. How about green beans and lentils? I like to feed her these. Would they pose a constipation or gas problem??
My other question is why you recommend Karo syrup?! Recent research has been showing the harmfulness of Genetically Modified Organisms, such as the corn that is used to make corn syrup. Surely this is bad for fragile and nutritionally impressionable babies, let alone adults! If sugar is the hung that helps soften the stools, then wouldn’t dried fruits (like, as you mentioned, prunes or apricots) be the more ideal option?
Thank you.
Added:
alex
Ascorbic acid is vitamin C.
Added:
Eli
My baby is four weeks old and her stools are soft and yellow. She has been straining and grunting all the time she is awake. Sometimes the straining and grunting wakes her up and she feels uncomfortable, she begins crying and wants to be held in my arms. I am worried about this issue. Any ideas what this should be and how long will this last. She has begun this from week 2.
Added:
stephanie kay
If her stool Is soft and yellow, then she may likely be affected my gas, she may be colic… She would outgrow it. I only gave my son gripe water at that stage.
Added:
halima
my son is 14 months old formula and breast milk fed. he is always constipated yet i give all soft foods foreaxample yorghut,yellow bananas grapes at times even forced to give blue band(margarine) and alots of juices and water cos he like drinking and eating so every thing i give he eats with love but he ends up being constipated. wat should i do because im worried
Added:
busani
my daughter is 1 month old and she is constipated,i dont know what to do to ease up her constipation
Added:
stephanie kay
Iron multivitamin could also cause constipation. You can give at intervals instead of everyday.
Added:
cathryn
my son is 14 days old, formula and breast milk fed. He hasn’t pooped in three almost four days :( he pushes like he needs to go however, nothing comes. He smells when he passes gas and he’s clearly uncomfortable. I’ve tried adding 1/2 tsp of brown sugar to his food, twice and still nothing.. what should I do? do i need to be worried?
Added:
Nancy
Buy laxatte solution,it’s sold over the counter n it helped my 1 month old son.he was going thru the same thing.
Added: