Your baby’s bowel movement may vary depending on age and eating habits.  Bowel movement also depends on  whether the baby is breast fed or formula fed. Breast fed babies tend to have more bowel movement than formula fed babies. If your baby is straining to have a bowel movement, it may not necessarily mean that he is constipated. However if you have any concerns, here are some signs to look out for.

How can i tell if my baby is constipated ?

Baby’s bowel movement schedule changes and texture changes from day to day. If  you are concerned that your baby is constipated, look out for these signs.

• crying and discomfort, irritation or pain during bowel movement
• less than 3 bowel movement per week
• dry , hard pellet- like poop  that a baby has difficulty passing
• foul smelling gas or poop
• loss of appetite
• a hard belly

If you think your baby is constipated, talk to your doctor. He may recommend  giving the baby small amounts of water or prune juice. Do not give your baby  laxatives, suppositories, or enemas unless instructed to by a doctor.

If your baby’s symptoms do not get better and is accompanied by symptoms such as

• vomiting
• lethargy
• fever
• lack of appetite
• blood in stool

Contact your doctor right away.

 
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