Baby's Bowel Movements: Is 8 Days Normal for 9-Month-Old?

For a 9-month-old baby who is breastfeeding and consuming solid foods, it is generally considered normal for bowel movements to occur anywhere from once a day to once every few days. As long as the baby is comfortable, feeding well, and the stools are soft, variations in frequency can be typical?

Hello, my child has been exclusively breastfed since birth.
Around 6 months old, the average interval between bowel movements was about 8 days (at the shortest) to 14 days (at the longest).
I have researched and consulted with doctors, and they all said this is normal and reasonable! The key point is that after 6 months, we started introducing solid foods like rice cereal and porridge (making up about 50% of his diet), while continuing to breastfeed (also about 50%).
Now at 9 months old, the bowel movement frequency remains the same, with an interval of about 8 days.
Is this considered normal? Although the stool is generally normal in color—dark yellow with a hint of dark green, and it varies in consistency from mushy to firm and dry—the stool chart also indicates normal values! However, one would expect the interval between bowel movements to shorten with the introduction of solid foods! Should we get this checked? Does this indicate symptoms of conditions like megacolon or gastrointestinal motility disorders?

Mr. Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/05

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Dear Mr.
Wang,
Hello! After a child reaches one year of age, their bowel movement frequency will be closer to that of adults, with 3 times a day to once every 3 days being acceptable.
Before the age of one, bowel movement frequency can vary greatly; it can exceed 10 times a day before one month of age, and afterward, it may occur only once every two weeks as soft stools.
As long as the baby does not experience abdominal distension, vomiting, crying, or blood in the stool, and is growing normally, you can continue to monitor the situation.
Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng
Attending Physician, Pediatrics
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2016/09/05

More Info

When it comes to understanding the bowel movements of a 9-month-old baby, it's essential to consider several factors, including diet, hydration, and overall health. In your case, your child has been experiencing bowel movements every 8 days, which is consistent with their previous pattern since they were 6 months old. While this may seem unusual, it is not uncommon for breastfed infants to have infrequent bowel movements, especially when they begin to incorporate solid foods into their diet.

Breast milk is highly digestible, and many babies who are primarily breastfed may have fewer bowel movements compared to those who consume formula or solid foods. The introduction of solid foods, such as rice cereal or porridge, can sometimes lead to changes in bowel habits, but it does not always guarantee more frequent bowel movements. In fact, some babies may continue to have infrequent stools even after starting solids, particularly if their diet remains high in breast milk.

The characteristics of your baby's stool—deep yellow with a slightly greenish hue, and varying in consistency from mushy to firm—are generally considered normal for a baby of this age. The color and consistency can be influenced by the types of foods consumed, and it is not uncommon for stools to change as new foods are introduced. As long as your baby is not experiencing any discomfort, such as abdominal pain, bloating, or any signs of distress, and is growing and developing normally, there may not be a cause for concern.

It is important to monitor your baby's overall health and development. If your child is feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and is active and alert, these are positive signs. However, if you notice any significant changes in their behavior, appetite, or if they exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, blood in the stool, or persistent abdominal pain, it would be advisable to consult a pediatrician for further evaluation.

Regarding your concerns about conditions like megacolon or gastrointestinal motility disorders, these are typically associated with more severe symptoms, such as chronic constipation, abdominal distension, or significant discomfort. Infrequent bowel movements alone, especially in the context of a well-nourished and otherwise healthy baby, do not necessarily indicate a serious underlying issue.

In summary, while the frequency of your baby's bowel movements may seem infrequent, it can still fall within the range of normal for a breastfed infant, especially one who has started solids. Continue to monitor your child's growth and development, and maintain open communication with your pediatrician. If you have any lingering concerns or if your baby's bowel habits change significantly, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure that your baby remains healthy and to address any potential issues early on.

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