Dear Is This Normal,

How normal is baby constipation? I feel like my baby isn’t pooping as regularly as she should. I’m concerned because she hasn’t pooped in 30 days. She’s almost 7 months old and was exclusively breast-fed. About a month ago we introduced solids for the first time. She doesn’t seem to be in any pain or discomfort, but how long is too long to go without pooping?

Signed,

All Stopped Up

Dear Stopped Up,

Ugh, the poop struggle is REAL, Mama. If they’re not blowing out their diapers all over their car seats or on our new bedsheets, they’re not pooping at all!

Baby’s tummies are an enigma and just when you think you’ve got it figured out they do a complete 180 and you’re left holding the bag (not filled, in this case). Thankfully, most baby constipation isn’t a major cause for concern, although it can certainly be stressful for us as parents. Let’s break down this back-up and see if we can’t get things moving again.

There really is no hard and fast rule about what constitutes constipation in babies. Like everything to do with babies, every baby tummy and poop schedule is going to be different. Because it’s been more than a couple of weeks, my advice to you would be to give your pediatrician a call if you haven’t already (you probably have). I know you said she didn’t seem to be in any pain or discomfort, but you want to make sure everything is ok, you know?

Your pediatrician will probably suggest a quick fix like a glycerin suppository to get the pipes cleared, so to speak. Not something you want to use on a regular basis if you can avoid it, but it works fast (seriously, maybe just set her down on a trash bag to catch the overflow). From there you can focus on how to prevent constipation in the future.

In your case, it sounds like the introduction of solids may have just thrown her insides for a bit of a loop. Baby constipation is TOTALLY normal. And really, really common, especially after introducing solids.  Starting solids is a fun stage, but it can definitely bring some things to a screeching halt!

Luckily for you both, with a little prep, you can make this a thing of the past. The first step is to consider the foods she’s eating now. Lots of popular baby foods can cause constipation like bananas, rice cereals, and other foods that are low in fiber.

Make sure she’s getting plenty of dark leafy greens and foods like pears, plums, peaches, and prunes. If your ped has given you the green light for water in a sippy, make sure to offer sips throughout the day. And as a final line of defense, consider using a poop-promoting supplement like Little Spoon’s Poopie Power Booster. This little stick of awesome powder is packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and prune powder to help get that baby’s tummy back on track.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to know so much about poop. But here I am! And I hope the lessons I’ve learned over the years can help you and your little babe. And we thought parenting was unglamorous. I hope she clears up quick, mama!

Your Resident Excrement Expert,

Is This Normal