Your little one’s poop schedule will change as he or she grows. When your little one is four weeks old, gut flora begins to mature and you might notice fewer soiled diapers because the time between one poop and the next can range from one to a few days.
At this stage, your little one’s abdominal muscles are still weak, so some straining when pooping is to be expected. But if your little one is straining to the point he/she turns red in the face , it could be a sign of constipation. If your little one has issues pooping regularly, they are likely to associate it with pain. As a result, your little one could develop a habit of holding stools in.
If you notice your little one displaying the symptoms above, don’t fret! There are natural ways to help your little one through.
How to tell when your little one is having trouble pooping
- Hard or pellet-like bowel movements with blood
- Crying and arching his/her back when he/she takes a poop
- Infrequent or less frequent bowel movements
- Spitting up more than usual
- Firm belly
Keep it loose: tips for a smoother poop
- Keep your little one moving by encouraging more crawling or move his/her legs in a circular motion when lying on the back, as though on a bicycle3
- Use your fingertips to press gently three-fingers below the navel on the left side of the abdomen until you feel a firmness then apply a continuous gentle pressure for three minutes3
As your little one’s gut flora is maturing, there are bound to be times when he/she might need that extra help. If the problem still persists, troubles with bowel movement could be a symptom of a bigger health problem so don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician.
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