Is Your Newborn Not Pooping but Passing Gas? Here’s What to Do

Who knew so much of being a new parent was tracking your newborn’s every poop? In fact, many maternity wards require records of your baby’s first poop before you can be discharged (and mom’s too, but that’s another story). But what happens once you’re home and your newborn isn’t pooping? Or if your newborn isn’t pooping but they are passing gas?

We talked to Lauren Crosby, MD, FAAP, and Bobbie Medical Advisor, to cover everything you need to know about why this happens and how to help your baby find relief. You’re certainly not the only parent to wonder, “Why is my baby not pooping?”

How often should babies be pooping?

First, let’s talk newborn poop. Your baby’s first bowel movement will be made up of meconium, a greenish-black, tar-like poop that forms in the baby’s intestines before birth. Once the meconium has passed, how often your newborn poops will depend on whether they’re exclusively breastfed or formula-fed, says Dr. Crosby.

“Newborns who are fed breast milk tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies,” she notes. “Breastfed babies poop on average five times per day, but a few less or more can be normal as long as the baby is healthy. Formula-fed babies poop less frequently, at least once a day and usually three to four times a day.” 

Once your baby is six weeks old, the frequency of a breastfed baby’s bowel movements tends to slow down, while formula-fed babies will usually only poop once a day, sometimes less.

Don’t just pay attention to your baby’s poop schedule — poop color can also be an indicator of an issue or a change in diet, such as starting solid foods.

How long can a baby go without pooping?

Within 24 hours of being born, all babies should have at least one meconium poop. After that, a baby’s poop schedule can vary, though Crosby notes that a newborn not pooping for days could be a sign that they aren’t eating enough. If you’re worried about your baby’s pooping frequency, call the doctor or children’s hospital. 

“Once it is established that the baby’s intake is fine, if a baby skips a day or two, it’s OK as long as the baby is feeding well and pooping resumes after that,” she says.

When should I worry about baby poop?

If you’re worried about your baby not pooping in two days, don’t freak out just yet. Not pooping for two days can be normal, especially for a breastfed infant. It could also be due to a change in formula or adding formula to your baby’s diet.

Breast-fed baby poop vs. formula-fed baby poop

Another thing to remember when it comes to newborn poop? Formula-fed babies and breastfed babies tend to have different pooping frequencies.

Exclusively breastfed babies poop more frequently and have less constipation than formula-fed babies, especially in the first two months of life, Crosby says. That’s because breast milk can be easier on the digestive system.

Signs your baby is constipated

Worried your baby isn’t pooping? First, it’s important to note that a baby who strains or turns red while trying to poop is not necessarily constipated.

“It can be perfectly normal for a baby to exhibit those signs and have normal poops with normal poop patterns,” Crosby says. “Imagine pooping lying on your back. Plus, pooping is a new skill for babies to get used to doing.”

But having a constipated newborn can be stressful for new parents, especially if it’s obvious your baby is uncomfortable having a bowel movement, or you’re worried about how much your baby is eating.

Signs of constipation include:

• Fussiness
• Hard or dry poops
• Straining to poop
• More spit-up than usual
• Crying when pooping

Does a constipated baby fart?

Weirdly, yes. Being constipated does not prevent your newborn from farting. 

Why babies can be gassy and constipated at the same time

Is your newborn not pooping but passing gas? That can be normal. A constipated baby will likely cry more than usual, which means they could swallow more air, making them gassier. It’s also easier to pass gas than a hard poop, Crosby explains. The buildup of poop in a newborn’s intestines can also create more gas.

How can I help my baby poop?

First, a constipated baby could be a sign they aren’t eating enough, so it’s important to check in with your pediatrician. With the okay from your healthcare provider and if your baby is at least a month old, you can give them a small amount of fruit juice (apple or pear) or chamomile tea, Crosby says.

How do you massage a baby to poop?

Massaging their tummy, giving them a warm bath, and moving the baby’s legs in a bicycle motion can help get things moving as well. 

What’s the remedy for a baby not pooping?

A few easy remedies to help babies who aren’t pooping include:

• A small amount of fruit juice (apple or pear)
• Chamomile tea 
• A warm bath
• Moving baby’s legs gently in a bicycle motion

Does gripe water help baby poop?

You may want to avoid giving your baby gripe water to try to ease constipation. It’s not a standard remedy for constipation and usually won’t alleviate the problem, Crosby notes.

Why has my baby not pooped in 2 days?

Dr. Crosby reminds us that if your baby hasn’t pooped in two days, don’t freak out. It can be normal, especially for a breastfed infant.

When to consult with your pediatrician

While constipation in your newborn is fairly common, there are a few signs that merit a call to the doctor: 

• Loss of appetite
• Bloody poop
• Pain that doesn’t go away with the usual constipation remedies
• The inability to sleep

You can always reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re simply not sure, too. Because when it comes to newborn poop, sometimes a little extra reassurance from your pediatrician is exactly what you need.

Making sense of your newborn’s poop

Newborn poop can feel surprisingly complicated. One day, you’re celebrating that first meconium poop, and the next, you’re wondering why your formula-fed baby hasn’t gone in two days — and somehow still has plenty of gas.

While constipation can be uncomfortable for your baby (and stressful for you), knowing what to look for can make these situations a little easier to navigate. Pay attention to your baby’s feeding, behavior, and bowel movements, try the remedies recommended by your pediatrician, and don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t seem right.

After all, you’re going to spend a lot of time thinking about poop during the newborn stage. It helps to know what’s actually worth worrying about.