Each newborn poops differently. Infants poop with different frequencies, textures, colors and smells. Some newborns may only poop once per day or more infrequently, while others may have as many as eight or 10 poop-filled diapers per day, according to Baby Center. However, if you suspect that your newborn is struggling with her bowel movements or her belly seems firm and distended, take action to ease her discomfort.
How to Tell
Trouble with bowel movements includes stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Diarrhea, hard and dry stools, and infrequent bowel movements indicate problems with bowel movements. Babies struggling to pass stools often grunt, turn red or pull their knees up to their bellies during a bowel movement. Streaks of blood in the stools and evidence of abdominal pain also indicate trouble.
Causes of Bowel Movement Problems
Constipation is a common bowel movement problem in formula-fed newborns, but it's more rare in breastfed newborns. The formula can make the baby constipated, or he may experience an overall lack of fluids and mild dehydration. Try different formulas to try to find one that doesn't constipate your baby; offer smaller amounts of formula more frequently to help a baby digest more easily. Problems with the rectal muscles or a baby holding onto the stool also cause constipation. Diarrhea causes include some sort of infection, a food allergy or a change in diet.
What You Can Do
If your baby has diarrhea make sure that she is getting plenty of fluids. Offer her extra breast milk or formula. When your baby struggles with constipation, make sure there haven't been any recent changes in her diet. Revert to the previous diet if constipation appears to be as a result of dietary changes.
When to Call the Doc
Call your child's pediatrician if you spot bloody diarrhea in the diaper. Dehydration is very dangerous in newborns, so call your pediatrician at the first signs of this illness. These signs include a lack of wet diapers, eyes that appear sunken, lethargy and sunken fontanels on the top of baby's head. If your baby can't find relief for constipation, ask your pediatrician about suppositories and other treatments that can make bowel movements easier and more comfortable for your newborn.
