Baby Constipation: Signs, Causes, and When to Worry

Parents often worry about their baby's poop. Is it the right color? Frequency? Consistency? One of the most common concerns is constipation.

But here's the thing: what looks like constipation sometimes isn't, and normal patterns vary widely between babies.

Important: This article provides general information based on AAP guidance. Digestive concerns should be discussed with your pediatrician, especially in young babies.

What's Normal?

Normal bowel patterns vary a lot depending on age and how baby is fed.

Newborns (first few days): Pass meconium (dark, tar-like first stool), then transition to regular stool.

Breastfed newborns: May poop after every feed in the early weeks. Very frequent is normal.

Breastfed babies (after 6 weeks): Patterns can change dramatically. Some poop multiple times daily, others go days or even a week or more between bowel movements. Infrequent stooling in breastfed babies is often not constipation if the stool is soft when it comes.

Formula-fed babies: Typically poop at least once daily. Formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation than breastfed babies.

After starting solids: Stool becomes firmer and patterns may change again. Constipation is more common once solids are introduced.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation isn't about frequency alone. It's about stool that is hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Signs of constipation include:

Hard, pellet-like stools. Straining, crying, or seeming uncomfortable during bowel movements. Blood on the outside of hard stool (from small tears). Firm, tight belly. Refusing to eat.

What Isn't Constipation

Straining without hard stool: Babies often grunt, turn red, and strain during bowel movements. This is called infant dyschezia and happens because babies are learning to coordinate relaxing their pelvic floor with pushing. If the stool is soft, this isn't constipation.

Infrequent soft stools: A breastfed baby who goes 5 days between poops but produces soft stool is likely not constipated. Breast milk is efficiently absorbed, leaving less waste.

Changes after starting solids: Bowel patterns naturally change with diet changes. Some adjustment is expected.

Causes of Constipation

Formula: Some babies are more prone to constipation with certain formulas. Talk to your pediatrician if you suspect this.

Introduction of solids: New foods can affect digestion. Low-fiber first foods may contribute.

Dehydration: Not getting enough fluids can cause hard stools.

Medical conditions: Rarely, constipation indicates an underlying condition. Your pediatrician can assess if there are concerns.

What You Can Do

If your baby seems constipated, try these approaches before calling the doctor:

For young babies (under 6 months): Continue feeding frequently. For formula-fed babies, make sure formula is mixed correctly. Gentle tummy massage. Bicycle leg movements.

For babies eating solids: Offer water between meals. Include high-fiber foods like prunes, pears, peas, and oatmeal. Limit low-fiber foods like bananas and rice cereal. Ensure baby is getting enough fluids.

Avoid: Don't give juice, suppositories, laxatives, or other remedies without consulting your pediatrician first. What's safe for older children may not be appropriate for babies.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if:

Your baby is under 2 months and hasn't pooped in 2 or more days. Your baby seems in pain with bowel movements. There's blood in the stool. Constipation doesn't improve with dietary changes. Your baby isn't eating well or is vomiting. You're worried for any reason.

Don't try home remedies found online without talking to your doctor first. Some common suggestions (like corn syrup or mineral oil) aren't recommended for babies.

Prevention

Once baby is eating solids:

Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. Include fiber-rich foods regularly. Ensure adequate fluid intake. Maintain active play and movement.

Tracking Bowel Movements

Keeping track of diaper changes helps you know what's normal for your baby and notice changes.

Log dirty diapers including approximate size and consistency. This data helps you answer your pediatrician's questions accurately and spot patterns over time.

If you're worried about constipation, showing your doctor a week of diaper data is more helpful than trying to remember details.

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BabyZone makes diaper tracking simple, helping you monitor patterns and share information with your pediatrician.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss digestive concerns with your pediatrician.