Constipation Many parents assume their newborn is constipated if their baby does not have as many bowel movements as they think. However, constipation is not defined by the frequency of your baby’s bowel movements. Rather, constipation is defined by a baby’s difficulty passing stool that causes pain or blood in the stool. Babies will moan or have muscle tension during a bowel movement. Other common symptoms of constipation are as follows: 1. Blood in the stool due to fissures in the mucous membrane of the anal skin caused by the baby’s hard stools. 2, abdominal pain; 3, easy to cry. Newborns who are exclusively breastfed are rarely constipated. Constipation is more common in babies who are bottle-fed. If your newborn has difficulty passing stool, try moving your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion. Sometimes other treatments are needed to help your baby have a bowel movement, such as an open cork. These methods should be used in consultation with your doctor first. Newborns have fewer bowel movements Usually in the first few days after birth, they pass black-green or black, tarry stools called meconium. By about the third day, the number of stools increases, especially in breastfed newborns. The stools become light brown, tan or yellow and relatively soft. Breastfed newborns may have three or four bowel movements per day for the first two weeks, and bottle-fed infants may have slightly less frequent stools. The color and nature of your baby’s stool will change over time and with later adjustments in feeding. If your baby is having fewer bowel movements, this may indicate that your baby is not getting enough food. If your newborn has decreased bowel movements, be sure to inform your doctor about your baby’s feedings, the number of wet diapers, and if he or she is gaining weight. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a condition in which your newborn has more watery or liquid stools, sometimes more frequent or larger than normal. Mucus may be present in the stool, and diarrhea is sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Infections in newborns come from contaminated food or contact with contaminated stool. Diarrhea may also be due to other illnesses, and in rare cases may be due to allergy to formula or feeding intolerance. Diarrhea in some infants may be a side effect of antibiotic medications. When to see a doctor Newborn diarrhea can be very severe. If you notice a change in your newborn baby’s bowel movements, be sure to consult your doctor. If your baby has diarrhea and vomiting, it is likely to be a symptom of an infection. If your baby shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, less than 6 wet diapers per day, sunken eyes and fontanels, or dry skin, it can be very dangerous. If your baby has thin, watery stools for 24h, or if diarrhea is accompanied by: 1) dehydration; 2) vomiting; 3) fever; 4) blood in the stool, go to the hospital as soon as possible. Treatment of diarrhea The treatment of diarrhea depends on the cause of diarrhea. Sometimes feeding adjustments are needed, and sometimes medication is needed. Do not give your newborn any medication unless you have a doctor’s order. Some suggestions your doctor may tell you: 1. If your newborn is breastfeeding, continue to feed normally. 2. If your baby is vomiting, you may need to reduce the amount of feedings slightly but increase the frequency; if you are breastfeeding, this means a slightly shorter time for your baby to feed at each breast. 3.To prevent dehydration, you may need to give oral electrolyte solution between feedings. Or after consulting your doctor, you will need to replace the feedings completely with electrolyte solution. 4. If the baby is bottle-fed and the diarrhea persists for more than two weeks, it may be necessary to change the formula after consultation with the doctor. Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes symptoms of an infection. In newborns and infants, infections can worsen quickly and dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting can progress rapidly. If an infection is suspected, it is important to get your baby to the hospital as soon as possible. Your baby may need intravenous fluids and laboratory tests in the hospital. Watch out for diaper rash Diarrhea can irritate your newborn’s buttocks and perineum, which can lead to diaper rash. If your newborn develops diaper rash, change diapers frequently, especially after each bowel movement. Stop using baby wipes, as many commercial wipes contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin. Instead, wipe your baby’s bottom with a damp cotton cloth. Try to give your baby as much “bare bottom time” as possible to increase breathable intervals. Before changing the next diaper, apply a thick layer of diaper cream to your baby’s bottom. Avoid using baby powder, which is often ineffective and can cause breathing problems for your baby. If your newborn has a fungal infection, the rash is stubborn and will extend from the genitals to the abdomen and thighs, so seek medical attention as soon as possible.