The bowel movements of
an infant are an important measure of their overall health. The regularity with which a baby poops could indicate the quality of their nutrition and overall health. As a result, it’s understandable if you’re concerned in situations where your baby does not poop but passes gas. Inconsistent bowel motions in infants could be caused by various factors, ranging from benign (harmless) disorders to underlying illnesses. Read on to learn more about normal pooping patterns in babies, what
causes infrequent pooping, and when to be concerned about it. Image: Shutterstock The frequency of
pooping varies among babies. The following are the key attributes of normal bowel movements among most infants (1) (2). The frequency of pooping usually becomes less predictable and greatly varied as the baby grows older and their digestive system matures. Breastfed babies tend to poop more
often when compared to formula-fed babies. Once your baby is older than six months and consumes solids, there could be significant variation in their pooping frequency, depending on the type of solid food they eat and the frequency of eating. Yes, it is okay for a breastfed or even formula-fed baby to not poop for a couple of days. According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, it is normal for some babies to be slow poopers and have one poop every few days (4). Experts state that more than the frequency of pooping, parents must focus on the type of stool. If the baby’s stool is hard,
contains blood, or is white in color, it could indicate an underlying problem. Image: Shutterstock If
your baby did not poop in a day, wait for a couple of days. Be watchful of the color and consistency of the stool. You may also check if the baby is getting enough feeds since inadequate feeding could cause the baby to not poop much. A baby may continue to not poop for many days due to the following reasons. 1. ConstipationConstipation is common in babies and is usually indicated by the lack of pooping for several days (5) (6). Apart from not pooping, the baby may have constipation if they:
In severe cases, the baby may have a bloated, distended abdomen, which is hard to touch. There are various reasons for constipation in babies, ranging from a change in formula milk to gastrointestinal ailments. Newborns may develop meconium constipation due to underlying conditions, such as meconium plug syndrome or gastrointestinal anomalies (3). You may read more about constipation in babies and its causes here. 2. Changes in dietThe following notable changes in the baby’s diet could affect the frequency of pooping (7).
3. Food allergies and intolerancesSome babies may not poop frequently due to food allergies and intolerances (8) (9). It is likely to be more common among older babies who consume a variety of solid food items. Newborns could be allergic to substances in the formula milk. Babies with lactose intolerance may develop gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, even when fed breast milk. In such cases, the baby is also likely to display poor growth and lethargy due to inadequate nourishment. When To See A Doctor?
Image: iStock Consult a doctor if the baby displays the following conditions (7).
If your baby is younger than three months, see a doctor for any concerns related to the frequency of pooping, even if the baby is otherwise healthy. Do not try any home remedy or treatment without first consulting a pediatrician. Treatment For Infrequent Pooping In Babies
Image: iStock The treatment will depend on the underlying cause. The doctor may order tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, and ask about the baby’s medical history. Treatment would be recommended based on the diagnosis. The treatment may include the following.
Most cases of constipation and erratic bowel movements in babies can be addressed with appropriate home care. Home Remedies For Infrequent Pooping
Image: iStock Consult a doctor before trying any home remedies. You may try the following home remedies to alleviate constipation and improve the frequency of pooping in babies (10).
Never give the baby over-the-counter laxatives, mineral oil, enema, suppositories, and alternative medicines for constipation without consulting a doctor. 1. Can a baby be constipated and still fart? Constipation and flatulence (passing gasses) may be seen in babies who are not exclusively breastfed. In most cases, constipation may resolve within a short time without interventions. Although it is not unusual for exclusively breastfed babies to poop less and pass gasses, they won’t be constipated. 2. How long can babies go without pooping? It may depend on the age and diet of the baby. Babies older than eight weeks may not poop for four to five days. Exclusively breastfed babies can go two weeks without pooping at two to three months, which does not mean that they are constipated. There won’t be any discomfort or signs such as a full belly. Most babies who won’t poop are fine and often require little or no treatment (11). Babies meet their energy and nutritional needs from breastmilk, and there can be little waste product from breastmilk after digestion. 3. When to worry about a baby passing gas but not pooping? There is no need to worry if an exclusively breastfed infant older than six weeks passes gas and does not poop for a few days. However, it is recommended to contact the pediatrician if the baby is not exclusively breastfed and not pooping for more than three days. In addition, you may inform the pediatrician if symptoms such as vomiting and irritability are present (12). 4. Does gas relief help babies poop? Excess gas can cause changes in bowel movements. Some babies may have constipation due to gas formation, while others may have diarrhea. Constipation or difficulty pooping could be resolved once the gas is relieved. However, you may seek a pediatric consultation if it is a frequent issue. 5. What’s the difference between baby gas and colic? Colic is crying in babies lasting more than three hours for at least three days a week. Gas can occur anytime and resolves spontaneously by burping or other techniques. Gas can also cause colic in babies if not resolved. Babies can pass gas through burping or flatulence. Colic can also be due to other conditions, such as food allergies. Visit a pediatrician if your baby is fussy, has discomfort, is unsure about the cause, or if home care measures are not providing relief. A baby’s poop frequency will change as their digestive system becomes mature. This infrequent pooping pattern can be normal if they are due to diet changes. However, food or lactose intolerance could lead to irregular pooping patterns, which must be checked and treated. Consult your pediatrician if your baby hasn’t pooped for more than three days, expresses any discomfort, or has bloody stools. Introduce fiber into your baby’s diet gradually if they are older than six months. You may also seek a pediatric dietitian’s advice on adding fiber to your baby’s diet. Infographic: How Different Is Poop Between Breastfed And Formula Fed Babies?If you have recently shifted from breastfeeding to formula feeding, you may have noticed lesser bowel movements in your baby. If you sense the baby’s bowel habits have changed due to changes in their feeds, here is an infographic to help understand how different a breastfed baby’s poop is from a formula-fed one. Illustration: MomJunction Design Team Key Pointers
References:MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy. Was this article helpful? The following two tabs change content below.
Rohit Garoo did MBA from Osmania University and holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland. The zoologist-botanist turned writer-editor has over 8 years of experience in content writing, content marketing, and copywriting. He has also done an MBA in marketing and human resources and worked in the domains of market research and e-commerce. Rohit writes topics... more Dr. Chetan Singh is passionate doctor with experience in pediatric care and hospital settings, currently working as senior resident doctor in Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi. He is adapt in diagnosing and strategizing for the best treatment plan and care for patients. Dr. Singh did his in MD Pediatrics and Neonatology from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital. The young doctor... more How do you relieve gas and constipation in a newborn?What are the best remedies for baby gas relief?. Burp your baby twice. A lot of newborn discomfort is caused by swallowing air during feedings. ... . Control the air. ... . Feed your baby before meltdowns. ... . Try the colic carry. ... . Offer infant gas drops. ... . Do baby bicycles. ... . Encourage tummy time. ... . Give your baby a rub-down.. How can I help my newborn poop?If your baby seems constipated, consider simple changes to your infant's diet: Water or fruit juice. Offer your baby a small amount of water or a daily serving of 100% apple, prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings. These juices contain sorbitol, a sweetener that acts like a laxative.
Does gas relief help newborn poop?Some well-meaning friends may recommend gripe water or gas drops. These remedies are generally considered safe, but there's little evidence these options work to relieve baby constipation.
Can my baby be constipated but still fart?There are many reasons why babies often pass gas without having a bowel movement, which can include constipation in children. Perhaps this is considered a common disease because the stool is hard, small and dry, so the baby can't have a bowel movement and the baby farts a lot.
|