Pooping every other day

We live in Arizona our average temperature during the summer is 106 ⁰. I have a 3 wk old infant boy. I am breast feeding.  He does not have a daily bowel movement. He has a lot of gas. Do you have any recommendations to help with bowel movements, gas?

Hydration status is critical for newborns especially those exposed to extreme heat. Stooling every other day is often normal, but can be a sign of insufficient fluid or caloric intake.

Is your son getting enough to eat? Are you making milk? Was he back to his birth weight at his 2 week check up? If you are answering “no” or are uncertain take your son to see his doctor.

What are his stools like? A well nourished breast fed 3 week old should have loose yellow to green stools. Many newborns will strain and turn red to poop, but the stools should not be hard. see constipated 7 week old

Gas is a common concern with newborns. see gas in newborns

Written August 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Windermere Pediatrician