Summer Health Blog
Why is my baby crying during bowel movements?
Constipation, infant dyschezia, and gas
Gastrointestinal IssuesSeptember 6, 2024Dahlia Rimmon, MS, RDN2 min read
Why babies cry during bowel movements
- Constipation: If your baby is struggling to pass stool or has hard, pellet-like poops, it can cause pain, gas, or lead to discomfort.
- Acidic stools: Food intolerances or sensitivities can lead to acidic stools, which may irritate your baby’s anus.
- Infant dyschezia: If your baby has difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for pooping, it can cause them to strain for 10 to 30 minutes before passing stool.
- Anal fissures: Small tears near the anus caused by straining, firm stools, or frequent stooling can make bowel movements painful for your baby.
- Diaper rash: A rash around your baby’s genital area can cause discomfort and pain during pooping.
How to help your baby if they cry during bowel movements:
If your baby is constipated:
- Gently rub your baby's abdomen to relax their muscles and stimulate bowel movements.
- Bicycle your baby's legs to activate the bowel muscles and promote a movement.
- A warm bath can help relax muscles and encourage bowel movements.
If your baby has infant dyschezia:
It usually resolves itself without treatment. Gentle abdominal massages and bicycling the legs can sometimes be helpful.
If your baby has gas:
- Use an anti-colic bottle or nipple to reduce air intake during feedings. If breastfeeding, ensure your baby has a secure latch to prevent them from swallowing too much air.
- Burp your baby once or twice during and after feeding to release trapped air
- Bicycle your baby’s legs to apply pressure and stimulate their bowels to release trapped gas.
- Tummy time encourages your baby to engage their core muscles, which can release gas.
- Infant massage relaxes the muscles required to release gas
- While research is limited on the impact of a mother’s breast milk on a baby’s gassy habits, it may be worthwhile to switch up your diet to identify if specific foods are making your baby uncomfortable.
When to call a doctor
If your baby is irritable and inconsolable, has blood or mucus in stools, fever, lethargy, vomiting, hasn't had a bowel movement in 5 to 7 days, isn’t feeding well, or has fewer wet diapers than usual, consult with your local or Summer Health pediatrician for guidance.
