Newborns can be very unhappy when they are constipated, because it is very uncomfortable. Meconium is the first stool of an infant that occurs within the first twenty-four hours of birth. It is composed of materials that were ingested while in the womb. The meconium is sticky, black, and odorless and will be followed by many color changes in future feces. Newborns should poop at least one or two times a day. After eight weeks, newborns may only poop every couple of days.

The number of bowel movements mainly depends on whether the baby is breastfed or on formula. Babies on breast milk tend to poop more frequently. Newborn constipation is when a baby does not poop for over a week and the feces is hard. Constipation can be due to not eating enough, what the baby is eating, or just the digestive system adjusting to not being in the womb. Constipation in newborns can be treated when detected.

Constipation can be detected by frequent strain and difficulty. Grunting actually does not indicate constipation, newborns grunt a lot. Grunting is a way in which they communicate and learn to use sound. Babies also grunt as the anal muscles stretch, but it is not painful because the muscles are meant to stretch. If the poop is dry and hard like pebbles, this indicates that the baby is constipated. Also, if the babies bring their legs up to their chest frequently and their face turns red when having a bowel movement or trying to have bowel movement, this indicates constipation.

One possible cause of constipation is switching from breast milk to formula. Babies' digestive systems are very sensitive to change. Formula contains more iron than breast milk; therefore a side effect is constipation. After four to six months babies start to eat cereal, which can bind their systems and cause constipation. After rice cereal they then switch to solids foods. Solid foods that are low in fiber can bind and block a child's digestive system too. Potatoes and bananas are at the top of the list for causing constipation in newborns. There are quite a few causes to constipation in newborns.

Newborns have a lot of adjustments to make in the first year of their life. Hopefully, reducing constipation is not so difficult to them. The treatments and effectiveness vary for each baby. Trying new foods such as prunes, peas, and peaches are high in fiber, therefore they help treat constipation. Another suggestion is to mix one ounce prune juice with one ounce of water. Always consult with a doctor before trying the mixture of water with anything. Water can be harmful to infants. Other effective treatments include mixing prunes and oatmeal together and diluted apple juice in a bottle. In addition to food treatments, physical treatments can also be helpful. Try moving the baby's legs in circles, as if riding a bike and gently massage the lower stomach. Warm baths may also help the baby poop. If the baby does not poop within two days of these treatments, call your doctor. Constipation can be very uncomfortable for babies, so parents need to find the most effective treatment for their infant by process of elimination.