Infant Bowel Movement
A bowel movement in an infant, or a newborn baby, is usually a sign of health and normality. However once the parents have got over the excitement that the baby has passed a bowel movement they then go on to worry if it is “normal” or not.
Normal Infant Bowel Movement
Bowel activity in babies varies enormously, even on a day to day basis. While it is important to keep an eye on your infant’s habits it is important too not to become too obsessed.
Infant feces are a lot less solid than an adult’s; mainly due to a lack of solids in their diet. Breast fed babies usually pass more stools than formula fed ones, and their stools will be looser and more “seedy”; but usually less smelly.
Frequency of Infant Bowel Movement
In the first few weeks breast fed babies will often pass stool after every feed; a bottle fed baby will pass 4 or 5 a day.
After the first month your baby will have fewer bowel movements and it is common for breast fed babies to go a day without passing stools.
The frequency of your baby’s bowel movements shouldn't be a particular cause for concern unless there is no movement for 4 - 5 days or if baby seems to be in pain. You should check consistency of the stools rather than frequency, as solid, pellet like stools may indicate constipation. Ideally your baby should be passing soft stools about the size of a £2 coin.
Many babies grunt, cry, strain or go red when passing stools - this can be normal and doesn't necessarily mean they're constipated. As long as the stools are soft and reasonably regular it should be fine.