Is It Normal for My Newborn to Poop After Every Feeding?

Yes, it’s completely normal if your newborn poops after every feeding. When it comes to baby bowel movements, there is a wide range of normal. Some babies are frequent poopers, while others may go a few days without a bowel movement.

How Often Should a Newborn Poop?

Newborn poop frequency varies from baby to baby. On average, babies have at least one bowel movement a day, but some newborns may have five or more dirty diapers daily in their first few weeks, while others may go days without pooping.

Since newborns spend most of their time eating, frequent pooping is common. Breastfed babies typically poop more than formula-fed ones, sometimes even during feeding. If your baby is breastfeeding and pooping after every meal, it’s a sign they’re getting enough milk. Formula-fed babies may have fewer bowel movements, but pooping after every feeding is still normal.

By about six weeks of age, your baby’s pooping frequency may slow down. However, some babies continue pooping frequently, even into toddlerhood.

How Long Can a Baby Go Without Pooping?

If your newborn hasn’t pooped in a few days, it’s usually not a cause for concern. Babies can go days—or even up to a week—without a bowel movement. Exclusively breastfed babies can go up to two weeks without pooping, as breastmilk is efficiently absorbed, leaving little waste.

Constipation in babies is typically caused by diet changes, dehydration, or illness. Signs of constipation include hard, dry stools and noticeable discomfort when trying to poop.

Should I Be Concerned About Frequent Pooping?

Frequent pooping is generally not a concern unless there is a sudden change in bowel habits or the stool becomes very watery, which could indicate diarrhea. If your baby has watery stools, let their doctor know.

Call a doctor if your baby experiences:

• Pulling their legs to their stomach (a sign of discomfort)
• Straining while pooping
• Small, hard pebble-like stools or very watery stools
• Irritability or a swollen belly
• Blood in their poop

Can Frequent Pooping Cause Diaper Rash?

Babies who poop frequently may be more prone to diaper rash due to prolonged exposure to stool. To prevent irritation, keep your baby’s bottom clean and dry by changing diapers often and washing with warm water. Applying a diaper rash cream with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly can create a protective barrier. Letting your baby go diaper-free for short periods can also help their skin heal.

If the diaper rash persists despite these measures, consult your baby’s doctor for further advice.