How long can a baby go without pooing?

The countdown started at three in the morning

Ari had last pooed in the early morning. By the afternoon we were behaving as though a deadline had been missed.

That is what happens when you are new, tired and recording everything. A normal gap becomes a countdown simply because you know the exact time it started.

Straining does not always mean constipation

Babies grunt, go red, pull their knees up and look as though they are attempting something heroic. They are still learning how to push while relaxing the right muscles.

The better clue is what comes out. Soft poo after a dramatic performance is usually not constipation. Hard, dry or pellet-like poo is different.

What we did while waiting

Gentle bicycle legs, a warm bath and tummy time while Ari was awake sometimes helped her feel more comfortable. Mostly, we waited and watched the wet nappies. We also used a Frida Baby Windi occasionally when she seemed full of trapped gas. It sometimes helped her pass wind and poo.We also added chamomile granules to her milk once a day when a day or two had passed without a poo. It seemed to work wonders for Ari. Knowing what we know now, we would not tell another parent to copy that without asking their baby’s doctor or pharmacist first.

We did not give water, juice, tea or anything rectally unless a doctor had specifically advised it. If a very young baby’s pattern changes sharply, or the gap comes with poor feeding, vomiting or a swollen tummy, ask your baby’s doctor or nurse.