---
title: "Bowel movements in formula-fed infants- Q&A"
slug: "bowel-movements-in-formula-fed-infants"
updated: 2025-02-18T09:31:35Z
published: 2025-02-18T09:31:35Z
canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/bowel-movements-in-formula-fed-infants"
---

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# Bowel movements in formula-fed infants- Q&A

### A few comments about babies making a bowel movement...

**Straining-** Grunting or straining--and even becoming red in the face--while pushing out a stool is normal in newborns and infants. It can be difficult to pass stool while lying on the back with no help from gravity.

****For infants who drink formula, how often should they poop and what should it look like?****

Frequency: It's normal for babies who have formula in their diet to make a bowel movement anywhere from as frequently as 5-6 times per day or as infrequently as once every 2-3 days. A formula-fed infant who hasn't passed a bowel movement in more than 3 days is probably constipated.

**Consistency**: Normal stools in infants drinking formula can be firm, soft, or even loose. A very hard, large, or dry stool may be uncomfortable to pass, and if your baby is in pain when passing these stools, that means they are constipated.

**Color**: Formula-fed infant's stools can be brown, tan, yellow, or green. If you see a black, red, or white stool, please notify your pediatrician's office right away.

When you start to give your baby solid foods, the stools will become firmer and may have a stronger odor.

****Does iron-fortified formula cause constipation?****

The amount of iron in infant formula does not cause or worsen constipation. Iron is vital to an infant's health and growth, so changing to a low-iron formula is almost never recommended. Iron **supplementation** (giving extra iron in the form of a vitamin supplement) may cause some infants to develop constipation. If this occurs, please discuss with your pediatric clinician.

****What is the treatment for an infant who is constipated?****

For babies over 1-month-old, you can add fruit juice (e.g., apple or pear juice). After 3 months, you can use prune (plum) juice.

Amount: 1 ounce (30 mL) per month of age each day, up to a maximum of 4 ounces (120 mL) per day. Reason fruit juice is approved for these babies: treating a symptom.

For babies over 4 months old, also add baby foods with high fiber. Do this twice a day. Examples are peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, or plums.

If on finger foods, add cereals and small pieces of fresh fruit.

Give enough fluids to stay well hydrated.

#formula #infant #Q&A