When you become a new parent, you quickly learn to expect lots of diaper changes, especially when it comes to your baby’s bowel movements. So, what happens when your baby doesn’t poop as often as you expect? How long can a baby go without pooping, and when should you start to worry? Here’s everything you need to know about your baby’s poop schedule.
Breastfed Baby Poop Frequency
Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby and is easily digestible. Because of this, breastfed babies usually have bowel movements more frequently than formula-fed babies. In the first few weeks of life, expect your breastfed newborn to poop after every feeding, which could be up to eight to ten times a day. However, after a few weeks, your baby’s stool schedule will change, and they’ll start pooping about three to four times per day. As they get older, they may poop even less often, sometimes as little as once per week.
This decrease in bowel movement frequency is entirely normal and is due to your baby’s digestive system becoming more efficient. It’s nothing to worry about unless your baby’s stool looks abnormal, such as being hard and dry or containing blood.
Formula-Fed Baby Poop Frequency
Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to poop less often than breastfed babies. This is because formula is digested at a slower rate than breast milk, and so the stool moves through the intestines at a slower pace. Formula-fed newborns might poop around three to four times a day, but after a few months, they might poop every other day or even up to four times a day, depending on their unique digestive system.
Formula-fed babies tend to have larger and smellier bowel movements than breastfed babies. If your baby’s stool consistency changes and they become constipated, it may be time to switch to a different formula or seek medical advice.
My Baby Hasn’t Pooped in Several Days—What Gives?
It’s common for babies to poop less frequently as they grow older. Around six to eight weeks of age, babies typically have more efficient digestion and maturing intestines, so it’s normal for them to poop once or twice a week.
However, if your baby goes several days without pooping and seems uncomfortable, fussy, or uninterested in feeding, they may be constipated. Other signs of constipation in newborns include hard, dry stool consistency and straining while trying to poop.
When to Call the Doctor
If your baby hasn’t pooped in over a week, it’s time to contact your pediatrician. They may want to evaluate your baby and check for a milk protein allergy, which can cause constipation. Laxatives are rarely used on constipated infants, but your doctor may suggest soaking your baby in a warm bath, massaging their tummy, or giving them a small amount of water or prune juice to help loosen their stools and make them easier to pass.
In conclusion, it’s entirely normal for breastfed and formula-fed babies to have different bowel movement schedules. While breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently, formula-fed babies have larger and smellier bowel movements but poop less often. It’s common for babies to poop once or twice a week as they grow older, but if your baby seems uncomfortable, fussy, or hasn’t pooped in over a week, it’s time to contact your pediatrician. Remember, every baby is unique, and their poop schedule will vary, so trust your instincts and seek medical advice when necessary.
