Is my child constipated if she doesn't have a BM every day?
A bowel movement every day is not necessary. Some infants go daily; some have BMs only twice a week.
As you get to know your baby, you will become familiar with her pattern. It is normal for a baby to strain or
turn red and grunt when she has a BM. As difficult as this may be to watch at first, it does not mean she is
necessarily constipated or in pain.
Remember: Stools change color and consistency when you start your baby on solid foods.
What can you do?
If stools are hard and dry, give your baby an extra two to four ounces of water a day.
If this doesn't help, try four ounces of diluted fruit juice once a day. Any fruit
juice with the letter "P" in it is good-prune juice works especially well. If your baby is taking
solid foods add an extra serving of fruit.
Call your doctor or nurse practitioner if:
The BMs are red or black
Your child has no bowel movements for five days
Your child is in pain
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011
