Help! My newborn hasn’t pooped in 5 days

Exclusively breastfed babies can go up to 10 days without pooping! 

These babies can use up all the constituents in breastmilk hence leaving nothing to be eliminated.  

Formula fed infants need to poop more often. You should be concerned if they haven’t in 3-4 days. 

 Baby’s first poop is called meconium.  
This looks dark, black and tar-like. They may pass meconium for up to three days.  

First three days 
For breastfed babies, the poop looks mustard yellow, seedy and runny. 
Formula fed babies pass darker, thicker poop. 

First six weeks 
For the next three months, the frequency varies widely.  
Breastfed babies usually poop 3-10 times a day. 
Formula fed babies poop 3-4 times a day. 

 When to seek help: 

• Baby is fussy and seems to be in pain 

• The tummy looks and feels bloated 

• Baby is not drinking as well or as often 

• Wet diapers in 24 hours are less than 4-5