How do you tell if your little one’s bowel patterns are normal, and if she is pooping enough? EVELINE GAN finds out what you should know about constipation in babies and toddlers.
1 A poopy diaper just once a week? That’s normal for some breastfed babies.
In the first month, your newborn may have three to six bowel movements every day, but this can change as she grows.
From six weeks, some breastfed babies poop every day, while others may go up to a week without a bowel movement, shares Dr Christelle Tan, a specialist in paediatrics at Raffles Specialists at Raffles Holland V. This is normal as breast milk is so well-digested.
Formula-fed babies tend to have more regular bowel movements. Expect one to two poopy diapers daily after they turn two months old.
Beyond the first year, most toddlers generally do a Number 2 once or twice daily, although going once every other day is also normal for some kids, Dr Tan says.
That said, don’t be overly fixated on the numbers. Like adults, every child’s bowel pattern is different. As long as your baby is gaining weight well and her stools are not hard and dry, there is no need to worry, says Dr Eugene Han, a paediatrician at Thomson Paediatric Centre.
2 Now she is truly all backed up.
Having a bowel movement can be hard work, and it isn’t uncommon to see your baby straining until she’s red in the face. So, how can you tell when she is constipated? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists the following telltale signs. Your baby:
is excessively fussy.
spits up more than usual.
has dramatically more or fewer bowel movements than before.
has unusually hard stools.
strains for more than 10 minutes without success.
3 She may be so constipated, it leads to watery stools.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
