One issue that can give new mothers concern is if their baby has gone 24 hours without pooping.
Of course, who would have thought that not having dirty diapers would be a cause for concern, and poop would be a cause for immense happiness? Surprisingly, it is when your baby’s poopy diapers are no longer poopy.
This could also worry mothers if their baby is gassy on top of not pooping. Gassiness in babies could cause all sorts of discomfort in the little darling. They could be fussy, staying up all night and crying more than usual.
We all know what uncomfortable gas pains feel like, so of course, this could lead to all sorts of discomfort in a baby. Below we list the reasons why a baby might be gassy and not pooping and how to help.
Signs That Your Baby Is Gassy
Your Baby Is Crying a Lot
If your baby is crying more than usual or fussier than average, they might be gassy. Your baby might be crying due to gas because the gas is getting stuck in the baby’s tummy, which is uncomfortable.
We all know what gassiness feels like and that we need to wait for the uncomfortableness to go away, but babies have no clue. If the feeling does not go away immediately, then that could lead your baby to cry.
Your Baby Is Wiggling or Squirming More than Normal
If your baby has gas trapped in their tummy, then they might be wiggling around to try and relieve that uncomfortable feeling.
If your baby is shifting their bellies from left to right or kicking their legs back and forth and making faces, then that could be another sign that your baby is gassy.
Your Baby Is Grunting
Similar to squiggling around, if your baby is grunting or making faces while moving around, then they could be trying to relieve gas that is trapped in their digestive system.
Your Baby Is Not Sleeping Well
Not sleeping well at night is a common sign of growth spurts in babies. However, not sleeping well could also signify that gas is trapped in the baby’s digestive system and is causing them all sorts of discomfort. This discomfort is keeping them and mama up at night.
Your Baby Is Burping Frequently
Sometimes frequent burping could mean that the baby is extra gassy. Through all the wiggling and grunting, your baby might have been able to get some gas to come up in a burp.
Your Baby Is Spitting up More than Normal
Similar to burping, if your baby is spitting up more than usual, then food might be trapped on top of an air bubble keeping it from going deeper into the digestive tract.
Why Do Babies Get Gassy or Stop Pooping and How to Help?
Your Baby Might Be Swallowing Air While Feeding
Swallowing air while feeding could lead to gassiness in babies because the air gets trapped in the digestive system. Babies can swallow air while feeding, whether the baby is breastfed or bottle-fed.
If the baby is breastfed, they may not have a proper latch on the nipple, causing tiny air bubbles to get into their stomach when they suckle. Therefore, when breastfeeding, pay extra close attention to your baby’s latch. Their entire little mouth should be over the nipple with no gaps. If the baby has a proper latch, then air will not get into the digestive system.
If your baby is bottle-fed, then there is a chance that the baby is gulping air along with the milk. To remedy this, make sure no air bubbles are sneaking into the artificial nipple while feeding. Also, try changing the angle you feed your baby or even looking into a different nipple.
Once the baby is done feeding, give them a good burp. Spend a little extra time moving around and patting your baby on the back to make sure that air comes out the top end and does not get stuck in the tummy waiting to come out the back end.
Your Baby Might Be Sensitive to Some Foods
Sensitivity to certain foods could lead to the digestive system producing excess gas. This sensitivity could be because of an allergy or because the food does not agree with the baby’s digestive system. For instance, the food might have certain fibers that do not agree with the baby’s digestive system.
If your baby is breastfed, try to eliminate certain foods from your diet and see if that makes a difference. Then, you can slowly reintroduce these foods one at a time. If bottle-fed, try changing your baby’s formula with your pediatrician’s guidance.
Your Baby Could Be Constipated
Constipation and gassiness often go hand in hand. Most of the time, it is normal for a baby to go 2-3 days without a bowel movement.
Some babies naturally have slower digestive systems leading them not to poop as often. However, constipation is not just about how often your baby poops.
If your baby appears to be in pain while pooping, has a tougher time pooping, or has harder stools than usual, then be sure to call your babies physician. However, if they go 5-10 days without pooping and then have a soft, easy-to-pass poop, then they are probably doing just fine.
To be on the safe side, if your baby has gone longer than one week (7 days) without pooping, be sure to consult with your doctor.
How To Help Your Baby Pass Gas Or Relieve Constipation
Baby Squats
Lay the baby on their back and gently lift the knees to the belly. This motion will help relieve gas that could be trapped in the baby’s intestines and can also help move along stool.
Baby Bicycles
Lay the baby on their back, then cycle your baby’s legs like a bicycle for several seconds, rest, then cycle in the opposite direction. Like baby squats, this repetitive motion and stimulation of the tummy area can help relieve gas trapped inside the intestines and stimulate the bowels.
Tummy Time
Put your baby on their tummy and allow them to move around. The extra pressure on the baby’s tummy could be just what is needed to squeeze out that stubborn gas. You can also lightly roll your baby left and right to help move around any gas bubbles.
New Formula
Helping your baby relieve their constipation or gas could be as simple as trying a new formula and seeing if it agrees with your baby more than the old one.
Prune Juice
Introducing prune juice in small amounts to your baby’s diet could help relieve constipation. However, this could increase gassiness, so be sure to consult with your doctor before trying this remedy.
Gas Drops
Similarly, gas drops may help relieve gassiness in babies. Though, be sure to talk to your baby’s pediatrician before trying this remedy.
Constipation Can Happen- However When In Doubt, Consult Your Pediatrician
In most cases, a baby that has not had a bowel movement and is overly gassy is not a cause for concern. If your baby has gone longer than seven days without pooping, is showing discomfort when passing a bowel movement, or has a distended belly, then consult your pediatrician immediately.
However, if your baby goes long periods, 3-4 days without a bowel movement but then has easy-to-pass stools, there is no cause for concern. And always remember, you’re doing a good job, mama.
