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Parentpedia
Constipation -- Babies
Everything's been moving along fine. And then it just ... stops. What, exactly? Well, poop. Even if you've never worried about poop before, the chances are good that sometime in your baby's first year you'll wonder, "Is he constipated?"
Infants' diaper habits are a source of endless speculation, and for good reason. Proper pooping is a good indicator of overall health, as well as a comforting measure of how well your child is eating and thriving. The problem is that "constipation" is a relative term. What you have to figure out is what's normal for your baby.
What Counts as Constipation, Exactly?
If you're looking for a strict definition of constipation in infants, stop looking: there is none. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' book, "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child," bowel patterns are too varied to be able to pinpoint how long without a poopy diaper is "too long."
That said, as a very rough guide, if your formula-fed baby has gone several days without a bowel movement -- and if, when he does go, the stools are firm and/or dry -- he may be constipated.
Constipation and Breastfeeding
Breastfed babies become constipated only very rarely, because breastmilk is so easily digested. A nursing infant may have a bowel movement after every feeding -- or as infrequently as once a week. As long as the stool is soft, she's not likely to be constipated.
Is That Straining Hurting My Baby?
Worried when you see your infant straining, or even pulling her legs up, as she goes? The authors of the popular "What to Expect" series of books claim that pushing and straining likely happens because your baby's muscles are not very strong, so even a small amount of soft stool can be tough to push out, believe it or not.
What Should I Do About It?
Consult your pediatrician if you're finding it hard to gauge if your baby is constipated. Your baby might need more fluids or fiber (if he's eating solids); your pediatrician can tell you for sure.
Safety Note
Never give your baby a laxative. Your doctor can recommend a baby-friendly remedy, if it's even necessary.
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