Newborn Bowel Movements: Is Formula Feeding the Cause?

Newborn bowel movement issues?

Hello, doctor.
My child is 22 days old and has been exclusively on S26 formula.
He is currently consuming 100 ml every four hours and finishes every meal smoothly.
However, he has bowel movements 10-14 times a day and urinates about 16 times.
His stools are yellow, soft, and mushy with curds.
He is gaining about 50 grams daily, weighing 2800 grams at birth and now 3300 grams.
Is it okay for his gastrointestinal tract and anus to have such frequent bowel movements? Is the formula unsuitable for him, or should we consider switching to lactose-free formula? I would appreciate your response, thank you.

Xu Mami, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/02

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Newborns have a stronger gastrocolic reflex, meaning it is common for them to feed from the mouth and immediately have a bowel movement.
If there is an abnormal reaction to cow's milk protein, the stool may contain blood, be watery, or the baby may develop rashes.
It is advisable to monitor the situation, and if there are concerns, switching to hydrolyzed protein formula is also an option.

Reply Date: 2020/05/02

More Info

When it comes to understanding newborn bowel movements, especially in the context of formula feeding, there are several factors to consider. Your baby, at 22 days old, is consuming S26 formula and is having frequent bowel movements, which can be concerning for many parents. Let's break down the situation based on the information provided and general medical knowledge.

Firstly, it is important to note that newborns typically have a higher frequency of bowel movements compared to older infants. In the first few weeks of life, it is not uncommon for a breastfed baby to have several bowel movements a day, and formula-fed babies can also have similar patterns. The fact that your baby is having 10-14 bowel movements daily, while it may seem excessive, can still fall within the range of normal for some infants, especially if the stools are soft and yellow, which indicates that the baby is digesting the formula well.

The consistency of the stools, described as "yellow soft mud with milk curds," is also a positive sign. This suggests that the formula is being digested properly. However, the frequency of bowel movements can be influenced by several factors, including the type of formula, the baby's individual digestive system, and their overall health.

Regarding your concerns about whether the formula is suitable for your baby, it is essential to consider that some infants may react differently to various formulas. If your baby is gaining weight appropriately—50 grams a day is a healthy gain—and is otherwise healthy (alert, feeding well, and not showing signs of distress), it may not be necessary to switch formulas immediately. However, if you notice signs of discomfort, such as excessive crying, signs of pain during bowel movements, or if the stools become hard or difficult to pass, it may be worth consulting with your pediatrician.

As for the question of whether your baby's gastrointestinal system can handle this frequency of bowel movements, the answer is generally yes, as long as the stools remain soft and the baby is not showing signs of dehydration or distress. Newborns have a remarkable ability to adapt to their diets, and their digestive systems are designed to handle the frequent intake of milk, whether breast milk or formula.

If you are considering switching to a lactose-free formula, it is important to consult with your pediatrician first. Lactose intolerance in newborns is quite rare, and switching formulas without medical advice may not be necessary. Your pediatrician can help determine if a formula change is warranted based on your baby's specific symptoms and overall health.

In summary, while the frequency of your baby's bowel movements may seem high, it can be normal for some infants, especially if they are soft and the baby is thriving. Monitoring your baby's weight gain, hydration status, and overall demeanor will provide valuable insights into their well-being. If you have ongoing concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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