As a new parent, it's completely normal to worry about the bowel movements of your newborn. You may be wondering if it's normal for your baby to pass gas but not poop. In most cases, the answer is yes.
Newborns have slow digestion, and their tiny stomach is not equipped to handle a large volume of food. Therefore, they may not have a bowel movement every day. Additionally, as they transition from meconium (the sticky, tar-like substance in their bowel at birth) to breast milk or formula, their bowel movements may become more infrequent.
Passing gas is actually a good sign that your newborn is digesting food properly. Gas is a byproduct of the digestion process and is typically caused by air swallowing or the breakdown of certain foods in the digestive tract. So, if your newborn is passing gas without pooping, it's a sign that they are actively digesting and processing their food.
If your baby hasn't had a bowel movement for more than five days or seems to be in pain while passing gas, it may be time to consult a doctor. In some cases, constipation or digestive problems can cause painful gas or difficulty passing stools that require medical intervention.
Newborns may poop anywhere from several times a day to once every few days, and it's considered normal as long as they are passing gas and appear comfortable.
If your baby is struggling to poop, you can try massaging their belly, moving their legs in a bicycle motion, or offering them a warm bath.
If your baby hasn't pooped in over five days, seems uncomfortable, or has other signs of digestive distress, it's time to contact a healthcare provider for advice.
