How to Get Your Newborn To Poop Without Stress Or Struggle

While caring for a newborn is an around-the-clock, absolutely exhausting job, it's also deceptively simple. Your job is to make sure they sleep, eat and fill diapers regularly. All three are easier said than done and realizing that your baby hasn't pooped in a while is anxiety inducing.

“Parents are often confused about how often a baby should poop,” explains perinatal professional Shari Stamps, ICST, CBS, CEIM, OMT. “Other common worries include blood in the stool, as well as changes in texture and colour.”

The good news is that there are gentle and effective ways to help babies pass stool comfortably. In this guide, we’ll share simple tips on how to help newborns poop and explore newborn constipation remedies that can bring your little one relief.

Understanding your newborn’s developing digestive system

As your newborn grows, their digestive system develops along with them, says Karla Pablo, RN, BSN, a neonatal intensive care nurse. So, as your baby’s gut matures, you’ll notice changes in their infant bowel movements.

“At first, your baby’s stool will be green and thick, called meconium, and it’s made up of materials like bile that built up in your baby’s digestive system before birth,” Pablo explains. “Once your baby starts feeding on breast milk or formula, their stool changes colour: yellow for breast milk, brown for formula.”

As your baby begins eating solid foods, Pablo says that their stool becomes more formed, and how often they go may change, too. “Older babies who are eating a variety of solids may also experience changes in stool frequency and consistency, which is a normal part of digestive development,” she adds.

What is normal newborn poop?

Colour

Newborn babies can have poop in many different colours, according to Dr. Chris Koutures, MD, FAAP, a dual board-certified pediatrician.

“In the first few days, it’s normal for your baby’s poop to look black and sticky,” Koutures explains. “Within three to five days, it usually changes to a yellow-green, seedy appearance. By two weeks, many babies have brown poop, but yellow or green is still normal.”

Dr. Lori Langdon, MD, a pediatrician and Clinical Chair of Pediatrics at Campbell University, adds that watching the colour is important. “As stool lightens and turns yellow, your baby is getting mature breast milk, not just colostrum. “The yellow colour comes from bilirubin being processed and excreted, which helps your baby’s body manage jaundice naturally,” she explains.

However, Dr. Langdon notes that not all poop colour changes are worrisome. “We only worry about blood or a complete absence of colour; solid white stools, called acholic, can be a concern,” she says. “If you see blood in your baby’s stool after the first week, talk to your pediatrician.

Newborn poop colour guide

• Black, sticky, tar-like Meconium: Normal for the first few days after birth
• Dark green, greenish-black Transitional stool: Normal starting around 3 to 5 days after birth
• Yellow, mustard-like, may have small seeds Normal breastfeed baby poop
• Brown, tan, pale yellow Normal formula-fed baby poop
• Red streaks or a lot of red Call your doctor
• Solid white or clay-colored Call your doctor

Frequency

When it comes to frequency, Dr. Koutures explains that some newborns may poop with every feeding (every two to three hours), while others might go only every one to two days—or even less often.

Many people believe that breastfed babies poop more frequently than formula-fed babies, but Dr. Koutures says this is a myth. “In my experience, newborns who are fed either breastmilk or formula often have fewer stools per day,” he notes.

Consistency

Consistency also has its norms. “Initial stools—dark and tar-like in colour and consistency—are known as meconium and typically appear during the first two to three days of life,” says Dr. Koutures.

“Transitional stools, which are usually seedy and yellow-green, are seen from about day three up to two or more weeks. More ‘mature’ newborn poops are yellow to yellow-brown and have a paste-like consistency. This is true for both breastfed and formula-fed babies.”

How to recognize the signs of constipation in newborns

Normal constipation symptoms

Amber Ginn, a board-certified lactation consultant, says parents should watch for normal signs of constipation.

These include:

• Fewer bowel movements than usual
• Hard or pellet-like stools that are hard to pass
• Straining, crying and discomfort when trying to poop

“You might also notice your baby arching their back, pulling their legs up, or turning red in the face during a bowel movement.”

However, Koutures adds that having fewer stools doesn’t always mean your baby is constipated. “If you’re worried that your baby is constipated, remember that as long as your baby is happy, gaining weight and not passing blood, this can be a normal part of gut development,” he says.

Additional symptoms associated with constipation

Ginn notes that parents should watch for additional symptoms of constipation, such as increased fussiness and irritability, a hard or swollen belly (though this can sometimes be normal), and difficulty passing gas or unusually foul-smelling gas.

However, she emphasizes that having trouble with gas or experiencing stinky gas alone isn’t always a cause for concern. “Newborns often swallow air while feeding or crying, which can make them gassy,” she explains. “Foul-smelling gas may be related to a breastfeeding mother’s diet or the type of formula used. But if you notice gas along with hard stools or fewer dirty diapers than usual, it’s something to keep an eye on.”

Which feeding method leads to constipation?

Dr. Langdon explains that, in general, formula-fed babies tend to be more prone to constipation than those who are breastfed.

However, if your baby is getting both breastmilk and formula, she suggests that increasing the amount of breastmilk can often help soften their stools.

True constipation signs

“True constipation in a newborn usually shows up as a combination of signs, not just one,” says Ginn. “These can include hard or pellet-like stools, straining without passing stool, visible discomfort or pain from belly pressure, and a firm, bloated abdomen.”

When to be concerned about constipation

It’s normal for babies to experience occasional constipation, but there are times when parents should be concerned. For example,  Langdon explains that if a newborn goes long stretches without pooping during the first week of life, it’s worth reaching out to your pediatrician.

Similarly, Stamps advises parents to seek help if their baby has trouble passing a bowel movement—especially if the baby is crying, screaming, or straining more than often.

A firm, tense, or distended belly between feeds can also be a sign of concern. Ginn notes that this is especially important if your baby isn’t pooping regularly or shows other symptoms like poor appetite or vomiting.

Finally, Ginn emphasizes that if your baby goes several days without pooping and passes firm, dry, or pebble-like stools, it’s not normal and should be assessed by a pediatrician.

Gentle home remedies to help your newborn poop

Tummy time 

To help your newborn poop, Pablo recommends practicing tummy time—when your baby spends time awake and playing on their stomach.

“You can start with just three to five minutes at a time and increase as your baby grows,” Pablo advises. “This ‘baby workout’ helps strengthen their core, back, and neck muscles, which are needed for positioning, passing gas, and pushing during bowel movements.”

Baby massage

Gently massaging your baby can help relieve discomfort when your baby is constipated. According to Stamps, the “I Love U” massage and the “Sun & Moon” massage are simple techniques that parents can easily do at home.

To ensure these infant massage methods are performed correctly, taking a class is recommended. “Some community centers or birth centers may offer infant massage classes, or you can find a trained instructor near you through Infant Massage USA,” adds Stamps.

Warm bath

“A warm bath can help a baby feel more relaxed and less tense,” explains Stamps. “This relaxation can make it easier for tight muscles to loosen up and for gas or a bowel movement to pass more comfortably.”

Bicycle legs

Certain exercises and positions can help encourage your baby’s bowel movements. One helpful move is called “bicycle legs.” To do this, gently lift your baby’s legs by holding their thighs and slowly alternate pressing each leg toward their chest, always staying within what feels comfortable for your baby.

But remember, never force your baby’s body beyond what feels natural. As Stamps advises, “Release the legs and let them stretch out. You can also hold both legs together, gently push them toward the chest, and use a smooth, rhythmic motion to help them straighten back out.’

Feeding adjustments (if formula-fed)

To avoid overfeeding your child, Stamps recommends discussing baby formula preparation with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) or a feeding therapist. “This helps new parents get the right information and support before feeding their baby,” she explains.

Hydration

Breastfeeding causes mothers to lose extra water to produce milk, making it important to stay well-hydrated.

“Drinking enough fluids supports both milk supply and overall health for mom and baby,” Pablo says. “Moms should also remember that good hydration is a key part of their health, too.”

When to be concerned and seek medical advice

Pablo advises parents to always contact their pediatrician if they’re worried about their newborn’s bowel movements or overall health.

“Babies’ tummies are delicate, so it’s better to be safe,” Pablo says. “This is especially true for premature babies whose systems are still developing. If a baby isn’t having bowel movements, it can affect feeding and their ability to get enough calories to grow. A pediatrician can also check for any underlying issues, like a bowel blockage.”

Pablo explains that when you visit the pediatrician, they will ask about feeding habits: How much and how often the baby eats and whether they are growing well.

“They’ll also want to know how many wet diapers your baby usually has each day compared to when constipation started, and how often your baby normally poops,” she adds. “The doctor will ask if your baby is vomiting, which can be a sign of a blockage or other serious problems.”

Besides asking questions, the pediatrician will do a physical exam. Pablo says this includes listening to the baby’s belly to check bowel sounds, feeling the abdomen to see if it’s hard or swollen, and looking for signs of dehydration like a sunken soft spot on the head or poor skin elasticity.

Tips for preventing constipation in newborns

Practice proper feeding techniques

Pablo explains that proper feeding techniques—such as correct feeding, positioning, burping, and using the right nipple—are key to preventing constipation in newborns.

“These steps help ensure the baby latches well and feeds efficiently,” she says. “A good latch means the baby gets enough milk. If breastfeeding is painful, it usually means the position or latch isn’t right. This matters because if a baby isn’t feeding properly, they can become dehydrated, which can lead to constipation.”

For bottle feeding, Pablo emphasizes the importance of choosing the right nipple. “A fast-flow nipple can cause choking if the baby can’t handle it, while a slow-flow nipple might tire or frustrate the baby.”

She also warns parents to follow formula instructions carefully. “Don’t make the formula too concentrated to ‘tank up’ the baby—that can cause stomach upset or dehydration. And don’t dilute it too much to stretch it out, as that can upset the balance of fluids and electrolytes, which is dangerous.”

Stay hydrated

Adequate hydration is important for both mom and baby to help prevent newborn constipation. As Pablo explains, “Mom needs to stay hydrated to maintain a good milk supply for the baby and to keep her own body healthy.”

Parents should also ensure their baby is well hydrated. Pablo suggests checking the number of wet diapers the baby produces each day rather than focusing on how wet the diaper looks.

“Starting from the third day after birth, babies usually have about six wet diapers and three soiled diapers daily,” she says. “Another way to think about it is that your baby should have a wet or dirty diaper roughly every three hours. This isn’t exact, but it’s a helpful guideline for parents.”

Try tummy time

Stamps says that adding tummy time to your baby’s daily routine can help prevent constipation.

“When a baby spends time on a parent’s chest or during active floor play, it’s like a gentle workout,” Stamps explains. “Scheduling tummy time at the same time of day each day can help your baby’s body get used to a routine, which may support more regular digestion and bowel movements.”

Encourage gentle movement

“Gentle movement is so important to healthy bowel function,” explains Pablo. “Wiggling around and changing positions can help relieve trapped gas and air bubbles in the baby’s tummy as well as strengthen the muscles they use for bowel movements.”

Avoid overfeeding

Pablo advises parents to avoid overfeeding their children. “Overfeeding often causes vomiting, which can lead to a temporary calorie deficit and upset your baby’s hydration,” she explains. “If dehydration lasts, it might cause constipation.”

To know when to stop feeding your baby, Pablo recommends watching for visual cues. “We always say, ‘look at your baby, not the bottle,’ to understand how much they need,” she suggests. “If your baby turns away or shows signs of being full or not hungry, pay attention to those signals.”

The bottom line

While concerns about newborn poop can feel alarming, Koutures reassures parents that these worries are very common.

“During early visits, parents often ask about the color, frequency, discomfort, and size of their baby’s poop,” Koutures says. “Most issues can be managed at home with gentle care, like massaging the baby’s tummy, moving their legs in a bicycle motion, or giving a warm (not hot) bath to help them poop.”

If these home remedies don’t help, Koutures advises parents to contact their pediatrician. “Seek medical advice if your baby seems very uncomfortable and won’t stop crying, feeds less, develops a fever, has diarrhea (poop leaking from the diaper), vomits, has blood or red coloring in the stool, appears unusually sleepy, or doesn’t poop for more than 24 hours,” he explains.

Experts

• Dr. Chris Koutures, MD, FAAP, is a dual board-certified pediatrician.
• Karla Pablo, RN, BSN, is a neonatal intensive care nurse and owner of Let Mommy Sleep Las Vegas, a business providing overnight newborn care by certified night nannies, registered nurses, and postpartum doulas.
• Shari Stamps, ICST, CBS, CEIM, OMT, is a perinatal professional.
• Dr. Lori Langdon, MD, is a pediatrician and the Clinical Chair of Pediatrics at Campbell University.
• Amber Ginn,  IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant.