Help! My 1-Month-Old Baby Is Constipated — What Do I Do?

First: Is It Really Constipation?

If your 1-month-old hasn’t pooped in a day or two, it’s understandable to worry, but for newborns, especially those who are breastfed, this can be normal. At this stage, it’s not about howoften your baby poops, butwhat the poop looks like andhow comfortable they are.

Signs of possible constipation in a 1-month-old include:

• Hard, pellet-like stools

• Straining or crying when trying to pass a stool

• A firm or distended belly

• Fussiness, poor feeding, or apparent discomfort

• No bowel movement in 4–5 days (more common in formula-fed infants)

Why It Happens in Young Infants

Several factors can lead to constipation-like symptoms in newborns:

1. Digestive system immaturity
Your baby’s gut is still learning how to move things along. Slow motility is common early on.

2. Formula feeding
Formula-fed babies typically have firmer, less frequent stools than breastfed babies. Some formulas may be harder to digest depending on the baby’s sensitivity.

3. Gut microbiome development
Babies born via C-section or exposed to antibiotics may experience delayed gut colonization, which can affect stooling patterns [2].

What Not to Do

Some common remedies for older babies arenot safe for infants this young. Avoid the following:

• Giving water or juice

• Using over-the-counter laxatives or suppositories (unless prescribed)

• Stimulating the rectum with Q-tips or thermometers

• Switching formulas without guidance

Safe Ways to Support Digestion in a 1-Month-Old

Talk to your pediatrician first.
Any significant change in bowel movements, or more than 4–5 days without a poop, should be evaluated by your doctor before you try remedies.

Evaluate feeding.
Make sure your baby is feeding frequently and effectively. In breastfed babies, more feeding often leads to more pooping. For formula-fed babies, your pediatrician may recommend a gentler formula if digestion seems to be an issue.

Try a tummy massage and movement.
Gently massage your baby’s belly in a clockwise motion or move their legs in a bicycling motion to encourage gas and bowel movement.

Ask about a daily prebiotic + probiotic.
If approved by your pediatrician, an infant-specific synbiotic likeBeginbaby Prebiotic + Probiotic may help support gut motility. It includes:

• 2’-FL HMO, a breast milk-identical prebiotic

• B. infantis and B. lactis, beneficial bacteria that support digestion and stool consistency

Early studies show that daily use of HMOs and probiotics can help improve stooling frequency and comfort in infants within 2–4 weeks of use [3].

When to Call Your Pediatrician Immediately

Seek medical attention if your baby has:

• Not pooped in more than 5 days

• Vomiting or feeding refusal

• A very firm, distended belly

• Blood in the stool

• Persistent crying or signs of pain

These may be signs of an underlying issue like a bowel obstruction or congenital condition, and should be evaluated promptly.

Summary

Constipation in 1-month-old babies is often related to normal gut development—but if your baby has firm stools, is uncomfortable, or hasn’t pooped in several days, it’s worth taking action. Safe options include tummy massage, evaluating feeding, and (with doctor approval) adding a gentle prebiotic and probiotic likeBeginbaby Prebiotic + Probiotic to help support digestion naturally. Always consult your pediatrician before making changes to your baby’s routine.