Newborn Not Pooping But Passing Gas? Here’s What You Need To Know!

Why is my newborn not pooping but passing gas? Is this something that you are thinking about? If yes then this is the blog that you need to read till the end.

Firstly, if you are someone who has recently become a parent, my heartiest congratulations to you! However, while this new phase comes with a lot of happiness, it comes with an equal amount of troubles and worries.

Every small thing that your child is going through will affect you mentally. And maybe that is the reason why the parents of a newborn often search for issues that they do not know how to handle related to the health of their child.

Keep reading this article till the end to learn the reasons why your newborn is not pooping but passing gas…

How Often Should A Baby Poop?

Before answering the reasons for why your newborn is not pooping but passing gas, let me tell you the number of times a newborn baby should be pooping. 

Let me tell you one important thing— the newborns poop a lot. So almost every hour, you might have to go for a diaper change. But as they grow a little, or when they are a few weeks old, they will automatically poop less.

According to doctors, bowel movements become one of the most important parameters when it comes to checking the health of infants. The irregularity in their number of poops can indicate a lot of things related to their overall health.

For the first week, the baby will poop for a maximum of two times a day. After this, for the first two months, the frequency of how many times a baby might poop will increase rapidly. After that, they might pass a stool even ten times a day. And hey, that is normal!

By the end of the second month, the frequency will reduce. During this time, the babies generally poop two times a day. If you are breastfeeding, then you should keep in mind that breastfed babies generally poop a lot more than formula-fed infants.

Read More: How To Have A Fit And Healthy Pregnancy

Is Your Newborn Not Pooping But Passing Gas?

While it is normal for babies to not poop frequently after a certain age, it can be a cause of worry if they are not pooping at all. For example, if you notice that the newborn is passing gas, but on the contrary they are not pooping, then you might start panicking.

If you are worried about your baby not pooping but passing gas, then this portion of the article will be of help to you. Keep scrolling till the end to learn more…

Causes

There are a number of reasons why your baby might be gassing but not passing stool. Here are some of the causes that can be behind it. Take a look at the causes of a newborn not pooping but passing gas:

1. They Might Be Constipated

One of the major reasons for your baby not pooping but passing gas can be because they are constipated. In case you do not know whether or not your child has constipation, you might have to look for some of these signs:

• There is a decrease in the appetite of the baby.
• Increased irritability.
• Excessive crying of the baby.
• The abdomen is hard to touch.
• Even when they poop, it is very dry.
• Straining near the anus without pooping.
• Bloated abdomen.

2. What They Eat

The next important reason for your child not pooping but passing gas can be related to what you feed them. Take a look at these important things that affect the bowel movements of the baby:

• Breastfed Babies: These babies poop frequently and are less likely to face constipation. This is because breastmilk is much easier to digest for the new one. The breast milk contains colostrum which has a lot of important nutrients necessary for the baby’s growth. However, what a lot of people do not know is the fact that this substance also acts as a laxative.
• Formula-fed Babies: Babies who do not get breast milk are often fed using formula. These formula-fed babies are devoid of colostrum. Another thing that you should keep in mind is the fact that these formulas are harder to digest. The baby can also swallow air while they feed on formula milk which can, in turn, make them gassy.
• Solid Food: At some point, you will have to start feeding your newborn solid food. That is when they might take some time to digest the food. As they get new and solid food for the first time, their body will need some time to adjust to the food that they eat. This is the reason why they might be passing gas but not pooping.

Cure

What to do if your newborn is not pooping but passing gas for a long time? Well, the answer is here. You can either talk to your doctors or try some home remedies.

Home remedies for ensuring that your baby is able to poop again includes the following:

• Provide them with a lot more liquid to soften the stool.
• Give them a warm bath.
• Massage them regularly.
• Try the bicycle exercise that will help them boost their digestive system.
• Give your child foods that are rich in fiber. Fruits are also a good source of fiber.

However, even after doing all that, you should know when to call a doctor. You might seek medical help if you see the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Blood in stool
• Bloated abdomen
• Excessive crying
• Refusing to eat
• If they are arching their back

Read More: A Guide to Recovering After a Traumatic Birth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Take a look at some of these questions that most readers ask about child health. You might get some information that you did not know you needed!

Wrapping It Up!

There are a number of reasons that might be the cause for your baby to not poop but pass gas. Most of the time, it is related to the food that they eat. Breastfed babies are less likely to be constipated than formula-fed babies. You can try to change their diet and try some exercise positions to help newborn poop.

In case you were searching for the reasons related to your newborn not pooping but passing gas, I hope that you have found all your answers in this health blog. Let me know what else is troubling you or someone you know, and I will come up with an answer!

Read Also:

• Sudden Complications In Your Pregnancy? This Could Be The Reason
• Signs And Treatment Of Postpartum Depression
• Diet and Foods For Pregnant Women