Rectal Prolapse Concerns in Baby
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, NIDDK guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing rectal prolapse concerns in baby, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Rectal prolapse, where rectal tissue protrudes from the anus, can occur in young children, usually during straining from constipation or diarrhea. While alarming to see, it is usually mild and self-resolving once the underlying cause (typically constipation) is treated. Gentle manual reduction and addressing constipation are the main treatments.
Key takeaways
- Rectal prolapse, where rectal tissue protrudes from the anus, can occur in young children, usually during straining from constipation or diarrhea. While alarming to see, it is usually mild and self-resolving once the underlying cause (typically constipation) is treated. Gentle manual reduction and addressing constipation are the main treatments.
- Usually normal when: A brief, mild prolapse during straining that reduces on its own or with gentle pressure is concerning but manageable
- Call your doctor if: Prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, NIDDK guidelines, rectal prolapse, where rectal tissue protrudes from the anus, can occur in young children, usually during straining from constipation or diarrhea. While alarming to see, it is usually mild and self-resolving once the underlying cause (typically constipation) is treated. Gentle manual reduction and addressing constipation are the main treatments. At 0-3 months, rectal prolapse is very rare in young infants. If tissue is protruding from the anus of a newborn, it could be a rectal polyp, prolapse, or another condition and should be evaluated by a pediatrician promptly. It is generally considered normal when a brief, mild prolapse during straining that reduces on its own or with gentle pressure is concerning but manageable. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Rectal prolapse is very rare in young infants. If tissue is protruding from the anus of a newborn, it could be a rectal polyp, prolapse, or another condition and should be evaluated by a pediatrician promptly.
3-6 months
Rectal prolapse is uncommon at this age. If it occurs, it may be related to chronic straining from diarrhea or constipation. Have your pediatrician evaluate it to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
6-12 months
If rectal prolapse occurs during straining for a bowel movement, gently push the tissue back in with a warm, wet cloth. Address the underlying constipation to prevent recurrence. If prolapse happens repeatedly, your pediatrician may investigate for underlying conditions like cystic fibrosis, which can present with rectal prolapse.
12-24 months
Toddlers who strain heavily with constipation or during potty training may experience rectal prolapse. Treatment focuses on keeping stools soft with dietary changes and possibly stool softeners. Most children outgrow rectal prolapse once constipation is managed effectively. Persistent prolapse may need surgical evaluation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed rectal prolapse concerns in baby and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice tissue protruding from your child's anus during bowel movements.
- Mention if rectal prolapse has occurred more than once.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A brief, mild prolapse during straining that reduces on its own or with gentle pressure is concerning but manageable
- You notice tissue protruding from your child's anus during bowel movements
- Rectal prolapse has occurred more than once
- You want to discuss treatment to prevent recurrence
- Prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful
- Rectal prolapse with significant bleeding
- Recurrent rectal prolapse in a young infant, which should be evaluated for underlying conditions
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice rectal prolapse concerns in baby — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a brief, mild prolapse during straining that reduces on its own or with gentle pressure is concerning but manageable — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful.
Related Conditions
Baby Constipation
Constipation in babies is defined by hard, dry, difficult-to-pass stools rather than by how often your baby poops. Breastfed babies can go several days without a bowel movement and still be perfectly normal. If your baby is passing soft stools comfortably, even if infrequently, they are likely not constipated.
Safe Constipation Remedies for Baby
Safe constipation remedies for babies include tummy massage, bicycle legs, warm baths, and for babies over 4 months, offering small amounts of 100% prune, pear, or apple juice (1 to 2 ounces). High-fiber foods like prunes, pears, and peas help once solids are started. Never give laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without your pediatrician's guidance. Avoid honey, corn syrup, and mineral oil in babies under 1 year.
Blood in Baby's Diaper or Rectal Bleeding
Finding blood in your baby's diaper can be alarming, but the most common cause is an anal fissure - a tiny tear in the skin around the anus caused by passing a hard stool. This produces small amounts of bright red blood on the outside of the stool or on the diaper. Other common causes include milk protein allergy (in breastfed babies whose mothers consume dairy), swallowed blood from a cracked nipple (in breastfed babies), and constipation. While small amounts of bright red blood from a fissure are common, any significant or persistent rectal bleeding should be evaluated by your pediatrician.
Related Resources
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is rectal prolapse concerns in baby normal?
When should I call the doctor about rectal prolapse concerns in baby?
When is rectal prolapse concerns in baby normal?
What causes rectal prolapse concerns in baby?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about rectal prolapse concerns in baby?
Is rectal prolapse concerns in baby normal at 0-3 months?
Is rectal prolapse concerns in baby normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for rectal prolapse concerns in baby?
Does rectal prolapse concerns in baby go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Rectal Prolapse Concerns in Baby.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed rectal prolapse concerns in baby and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice tissue protruding from your child's anus during bowel movements.
- Mention if rectal prolapse has occurred more than once.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You notice tissue protruding from your child's anus during bowel movements
- Rectal prolapse has occurred more than once
- You want to discuss treatment to prevent recurrence
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful
- Rectal prolapse with significant bleeding
- Recurrent rectal prolapse in a young infant, which should be evaluated for underlying conditions
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of rectal prolapse concerns in baby are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Digestive Concerns
Baby Constipation
Constipation in babies is defined by hard, dry, difficult-to-pass stools rather than by how often your baby poops. Breastfed babies can go several days without a bowel movement and still be perfectly normal. If your baby is passing soft stools comfortably, even if infrequently, they are likely not constipated.
Safe Constipation Remedies for Baby
Safe constipation remedies for babies include tummy massage, bicycle legs, warm baths, and for babies over 4 months, offering small amounts of 100% prune, pear, or apple juice (1 to 2 ounces). High-fiber foods like prunes, pears, and peas help once solids are started. Never give laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without your pediatrician's guidance. Avoid honey, corn syrup, and mineral oil in babies under 1 year.
Blood in Baby's Diaper or Rectal Bleeding
Finding blood in your baby's diaper can be alarming, but the most common cause is an anal fissure - a tiny tear in the skin around the anus caused by passing a hard stool. This produces small amounts of bright red blood on the outside of the stool or on the diaper. Other common causes include milk protein allergy (in breastfed babies whose mothers consume dairy), swallowed blood from a cracked nipple (in breastfed babies), and constipation. While small amounts of bright red blood from a fissure are common, any significant or persistent rectal bleeding should be evaluated by your pediatrician.
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
Can Antibiotics Damage My Baby's Gut?
Antibiotics can temporarily disrupt your baby's gut microbiome, which may cause loose stools, fussiness, or diaper rash during and shortly after treatment. However, when antibiotics are medically necessary, the benefits of treating the infection far outweigh the temporary gut disruption. Most babies' microbiomes recover within weeks to months, especially with breastfeeding and a gradual return to normal feeding patterns.