Bowel Movements

These vary in frequency and character depending on the type of feeding. Breast fed babies have very loose movements, which may occur with each feeding or as infrequently as once every several days. Formula fed babies have semi-solid, pasty, or formed stools, usually 2 to 4 times daily. If your baby varies from this pattern, with either very loose, watery, frequent stools, or very hard, dry stools, call us.

When a baby is having trouble passing a stool, a simple way to relieve cramps is to insert a vaseline-coated rectal thermometer up to one inch into his or her rectum, and give it a few stirs. This acts as a suppository and may be used whenever needed. Infant glycerine suppositories may also help. If constipation becomes a persistent problem, please call us.