Is it normal for a 6 day old baby to not poop for 2 to 3 days? Anyone got any tips on how to make her go?

Chris

I had constipation problems with my son, the Dr. would only recommend sugar water or diluted juice. Which didn't work for us. I was using formula and ended up giving him some dark corn syrup in a couple bottles a day. I have heard boys have more problems than girls, don't know if that is true.

I was also told that it isn't uncommon for a baby to not go every day, and even on Karo my son still didn't go everyday, but it did stop him from straining so much and crying trying to go. So her regular cycle may be to not go for 2 or 3 days. As long as she isn't overly straining then she isn't considered constipated. But the Corn syrup won't hurt her. Goodluck.

There are liquid enimas (sp?) for children. I used to have to use them on my kids sometimes. Make sure you are at home when you do it and have no place to go. When it comes, oh, does it all come out! Massage the babies belly to help with the cramping.

Goodluck!!

Totally normal. As long as the poops that come out aren't hard. That's a sign of constipation. Try putting a warm wet rag on her little bum, sometimes that helps. Or, I know that everytime I took DD's temperature rectally she always pooped once I put it in. Just don't go in very far. Strange, but it works.

M y pediatrician always has me take their temp rectally which stimulates the bowel and makes them go. I wouldn't use any meds without talking to dr first.

Ditto on Checking with your doctor. I've heard conflicting stories on using Karo -- sometimes if it's been in your cupboard for too long it can develop mold spores. Heck, the only time I use my karo is during Xmas for carmel corn, so I'd be a little wary of giving it to a newborn.

We were told, by our doctor to use baby suppositories with ky jelly (lube). When DS was older -- 6 months we were directed to use Milk of Mag twice a day. But that was under a doctor's instructions!

Constipation in infants who are on Formula is a common occurance due to the Iron in the formula. If your child is on Formula and the constipation gets to bad you could always ask the pediatrician if it is acceptable for your child to be placed on a low or no iron formula.

Also it is completely safe, as one of the other posters had mentioned, to lubricate a rectal thermometer with vaseline and slightly insert it into the rectum and very gently wiggle it, as this often will stimulte a bowel movement. It is also safe to use an Infant Glycerin Supposotory. These can be purchased at most pharmacies as well as many department stores. Many times these Glycerin Supp. will induce a bowel movement in as little as 15 minutes.

Hope this helps!
ValleyGurl