Bowel Patterns: What Is Normal?

I got a call the other day from a mother whose infant had recently been discharged from the hospital. She was concerned because her baby girl had not had a bowel movement since they arrived home, which by this time had been over 24 hours. In my time as a NICU nurse, I've noticed that there are two things new parents seem to worry most about: breast-feeding and their child's poop!

So what is normal when it comes to your child's bowel patterns? How often should they go? This can be tricky for parents to figure out, because the frequency of pooping varies widely from child to child. For some children, it is normal to have several bowel movements a day; others will only need to go once every two to three days. The key is to watch your child and determine what is normal for him/her. A deviation from your child's normal pattern or marked signs of pain or discomfort in your child are the main clues that there may be a problem, and you will want to talk to your pediatrician.

Here are some important tips to support your child's overall gastrointestinal health:

• Feed your child a well-balanced diet, including foods that are high in fiber like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
• Encourage regular exercise and physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle leads to slow-moving bowels as well as other health issues.
• Never give your child laxatives, suppositories, enemas, or stool softeners unless recommended by your pediatrician.