Getting to know when your baby is constipated

When we talk about a number of stools per day there is no “normal” number of stools per day or a schedule. However, around three – four stools per day are considered a normal number by most of the pediatricians. The number of stools or bowel movement per day depends on the age of your baby. It is bigger in new-born babies and is declining by the age of two or three years. As for babies – they can pass a stool after every meal or wait for a day – it depends on a variety of factors such are the quantity and frequency of feeding, the activity of babies, and the type of food baby is fed with. Every baby has a unique schedule of stools: for one baby 2 bowel movements a day is OK, for another 4 stools a day is less than a normal quantity. Parents are normally familiar with this unique schedule, as they have to change the diapers after every stool made.

Statistically talking, babies fed with breast milk will be less frequently (if will ever be) constipated than babies fed with formula. And almost 90% of babies will be constipated when transiting from breast feeding to formula, due to the difference in food composition. Breast milk is a very balanced combination of proteins and fats, which will extremely rare lead to constipation.