Digestive

Baby Constipation

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIDDK guidelines

Editorial policy

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Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing baby constipation, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

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.

Key takeaways

  • 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.
  • Usually normal when: Your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do
  • Call your doctor if: Your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
— Vomiting in Children, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIDDK guidelines, 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. At 0-6 weeks, newborns typically poop frequently, sometimes after every feeding. Breastfed newborns should have at least 3-4 stools per day in the first month. If your newborn is not pooping regularly in the early weeks, it could indicate they are not getting enough milk, and this is worth discussing with your pediatrician promptly. It is generally considered normal when your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do
Your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic
Your baby grunts and turns red while pooping but produces soft stool afterward
Your baby has a distended, firm abdomen with vomiting and has not passed stool or gas
Your baby's stool pattern changes after starting a new food but stools remain soft
There is significant blood in the stool or your baby appears to be in severe pain
Your baby poops less frequently after the first 6 weeks but is otherwise happy, feeding well, and gaining weight
Your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools that seem painful to pass

By Age

What to expect by age

0-6 weeks

Newborns typically poop frequently, sometimes after every feeding. Breastfed newborns should have at least 3-4 stools per day in the first month. If your newborn is not pooping regularly in the early weeks, it could indicate they are not getting enough milk, and this is worth discussing with your pediatrician promptly.

6 weeks - 6 months

After about 6 weeks, breastfed babies may naturally start pooping less frequently. Some breastfed babies go 7 to 10 days between bowel movements and this can be completely normal as long as the stool is soft when it does come. Formula-fed babies tend to poop more regularly, and going more than 3-4 days without a stool may warrant attention.

6-12 months

Starting solid foods is the most common trigger for true constipation in babies. Their digestive system is adjusting to new foods, and low-fiber choices like rice cereal, bananas, and applesauce can contribute to harder stools. Offering water between meals and high-fiber foods like prunes, pears, and peas can help.

12-36 months

Toddler constipation is very common, especially during potty training when children may withhold stool. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains along with adequate fluid intake helps prevent constipation. If your toddler is consistently passing hard, painful stools, talk to your pediatrician about a management plan.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby constipation and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools that seem painful to pass.
  • Mention if your formula-fed baby has not pooped in more than 3 to 4 days.
  • 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

Probably normal when...
  • Your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do
  • Your baby grunts and turns red while pooping but produces soft stool afterward
  • Your baby's stool pattern changes after starting a new food but stools remain soft
  • Your baby poops less frequently after the first 6 weeks but is otherwise happy, feeding well, and gaining weight
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools that seem painful to pass
  • Your formula-fed baby has not pooped in more than 3 to 4 days
  • Your baby seems uncomfortable with a distended belly and is refusing feeds
  • Your baby has small streaks of blood on hard stool from a possible anal fissure
Act now when...
  • Your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic
  • Your baby has a distended, firm abdomen with vomiting and has not passed stool or gas
  • There is significant blood in the stool or your baby appears to be in severe pain

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby constipation — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-6 weeks, 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 your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic.

Baby Straining and Grunting to Poop

Babies straining, grunting, and turning red during bowel movements is extremely common and usually not a sign of constipation. Young babies are learning to coordinate the muscles needed to push out stool while simultaneously relaxing their pelvic floor, and this takes practice. If the stool that comes out is soft, your baby is not constipated regardless of how much effort it seems to take.

Baby Hard Pebble-Like Poop

Hard, pebble-like stools in babies are a sign of constipation and usually mean your baby is not getting enough fluid or fiber. This is most common after starting solid foods or when transitioning from breast milk to formula. While uncomfortable for your baby, it is usually easily addressed with dietary changes and rarely indicates a serious problem.

Baby Not Pooping for a Week - When to Worry

For breastfed babies over 6 weeks old, going up to 7-10 days without a bowel movement can be completely normal - breast milk is so well-digested that there is very little waste. For formula-fed babies, going more than 3-4 days without pooping is unusual and may indicate constipation. The key indicator is not frequency but consistency - if the poop is soft when it finally comes, your baby is not constipated regardless of the gap. Hard, pellet-like stools with straining indicate true constipation.

Baby Not Pooping Every Day

It is completely normal for many babies, especially breastfed ones, to not poop every day. After the first 6 weeks, breastfed babies can go anywhere from several times a day to once every 7-10 days and still be perfectly healthy. What matters most is that the stool is soft when it does come and your baby is comfortable, feeding well, and gaining weight.

Guide

Poop Color & Texture Guide

What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

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 baby constipation normal?
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.
When should I call the doctor about baby constipation?
Your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic Your baby has a distended, firm abdomen with vomiting and has not passed stool or gas There is significant blood in the stool or your baby appears to be in severe pain
When is baby constipation normal?
Your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do Your baby grunts and turns red while pooping but produces soft stool afterward Your baby's stool pattern changes after starting a new food but stools remain soft
What causes 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. Common explanations include: Your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do. Your baby grunts and turns red while pooping but produces soft stool afterward.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby constipation?
You should mention baby constipation at your next visit if: Your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools that seem painful to pass. Your formula-fed baby has not pooped in more than 3 to 4 days. Your baby seems uncomfortable with a distended belly and is refusing feeds.
Is baby constipation normal at 0-6 weeks?
Newborns typically poop frequently, sometimes after every feeding. Breastfed newborns should have at least 3-4 stools per day in the first month. If your newborn is not pooping regularly in the early weeks, it could indicate they are not getting enough milk, and this is worth discussing with your pediatrician promptly.
Is baby constipation normal at 6 weeks - 6 months?
After about 6 weeks, breastfed babies may naturally start pooping less frequently. Some breastfed babies go 7 to 10 days between bowel movements and this can be completely normal as long as the stool is soft when it does come. Formula-fed babies tend to poop more regularly, and going more than 3-4 days without a stool may warrant attention.
Should I go to the ER for baby constipation?
Seek emergency care if your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic, or if your baby has a distended, firm abdomen with vomiting and has not passed stool or gas. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby constipation go away on its own?
In many cases, baby constipation resolves on its own, especially when your breastfed baby goes several days without pooping but passes soft stool comfortably when they do. By 12-36 months, toddler constipation is very common, especially during potty training when children may withhold stool. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains along with adequate fluid intake helps prevent constipation. If your toddler is consistently passing hard, painful stools, talk to your pediatrician about a management plan.
AAPAAPNIDDK

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Constipation in Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby's First Bowel Movements. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation in Children. NIDDK

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Constipation.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby constipation and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools that seem painful to pass.
  • Mention if your formula-fed baby has not pooped in more than 3 to 4 days.
  • 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

  • Your baby consistently passes hard, pellet-like stools that seem painful to pass
  • Your formula-fed baby has not pooped in more than 3 to 4 days
  • Your baby seems uncomfortable with a distended belly and is refusing feeds

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic
  • Your baby has a distended, firm abdomen with vomiting and has not passed stool or gas
  • There is significant blood in the stool or your baby appears to be in severe pain

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

Poop Color GuideConstipation TriageBaby Sign Language GuideEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of baby constipation are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your newborn under 6 weeks has not pooped in more than 24-48 hours and is feeding poorly or lethargic.

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 Straining and Grunting to Poop

Babies straining, grunting, and turning red during bowel movements is extremely common and usually not a sign of constipation. Young babies are learning to coordinate the muscles needed to push out stool while simultaneously relaxing their pelvic floor, and this takes practice. If the stool that comes out is soft, your baby is not constipated regardless of how much effort it seems to take.

Baby Hard Pebble-Like Poop

Hard, pebble-like stools in babies are a sign of constipation and usually mean your baby is not getting enough fluid or fiber. This is most common after starting solid foods or when transitioning from breast milk to formula. While uncomfortable for your baby, it is usually easily addressed with dietary changes and rarely indicates a serious problem.

Baby Not Pooping for a Week - When to Worry

For breastfed babies over 6 weeks old, going up to 7-10 days without a bowel movement can be completely normal - breast milk is so well-digested that there is very little waste. For formula-fed babies, going more than 3-4 days without pooping is unusual and may indicate constipation. The key indicator is not frequency but consistency - if the poop is soft when it finally comes, your baby is not constipated regardless of the gap. Hard, pellet-like stools with straining indicate true constipation.

Baby Not Pooping Every Day

It is completely normal for many babies, especially breastfed ones, to not poop every day. After the first 6 weeks, breastfed babies can go anywhere from several times a day to once every 7-10 days and still be perfectly healthy. What matters most is that the stool is soft when it does come and your baby is comfortable, feeding well, and gaining weight.

Grunting Baby Syndrome

Grunting baby syndrome, medically called infant dyschezia, is a very common and harmless condition where babies grunt, strain, cry, and turn red for several minutes before passing a perfectly soft stool. It happens because your baby has not yet learned to coordinate relaxing their pelvic floor while pushing with their abdominal muscles. It almost always resolves on its own by 3-4 months of age.

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.