Prepare yourself: there’s lots of variation when it comes to baby pooping schedules. Some tots may skip a day here and there, while others seem to go like clockwork -- and breast-fed babies tend to poop less than their formula-fed friends (who knew?). As long as yours is having bowel movements (BMs) without any problems, there’s usually no cause for concern.

It happens a lot
Try not to blame yourself! It’s not unusual for babies and toddlers to become constipated at some point in their lives. Take note of the following signs: clenched fists, unusual cries, frantic pushing attempts (listen for a grunting sound), or hard, tiny stools. Older children may also have hard BMs and possible cramping. They'll probably tell you they can't go, and may spend a lot of time pushing on the toilet.

Here’s why
There are many reasons babies and children become constipated, though diet is the main factor. A lack of fiber is the biggest culprit, as is drinking too much cow’s milk. Also, when children are potty training, even just one painful BM can cause kids to poop less and become backed up. A headstrong child who’s not too thrilled to be potty training may decide to take control by curbing her BMs. This invariably leads to constipation, too.

The magic bullet is fiber
Try to make sure she gets a couple servings of fiber-rich foods every day like whole-grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables. For picky toddlers, get it in any way you can: granola bars, oatmeal, or raw vegetables dipped in ranch dressing.

How to fix it
If your child is constipated, it's a good idea to contact your pediatrician. He’ll do an exam and review your baby’s history to rule out any physical or medical problems. The pediatrician also will probably check the rectum. Your child's bowel movements may be streaked with blood from the pushing, so tell the doctor if you've noticed this.  

He’s pooping again!
Since the rectum is filled with hard poop blocking the softer stuff, the goal is to move things along. In order to get the bowels flowing, your pediatrician will probably give your baby a stool softener, like a glycerin suppository or maybe even a pediatric enema. Sometimes mineral oil or a mild laxative like polyethylene glycol will be recommended for a few weeks to soften the stools.

Hang in there
Be patient during this trying time and certainly don't punish your child for not being able to poop. Offer encouragement and keep feeding her those fiber-rich foods. Eventually she’ll produce a healthy poop -- and everyone will be able to relax.

Every mom and baby is different, and whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, you’ll make the decision that’s right for you. If you do choose to breastfeed, don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t come easily at first. A little know-how -- and some time and practice -- will help you and your baby establish a fun and stress-free breastfeeding routine.

The first few days

Shortly after you give birth, you’ll notice a yellowish substance called colostrum, which is your baby’s first food. Colostrum is full of protein and disease-fighting antibodies which help keep your baby healthy. Your actual breast milk will likely come a few days after your baby is born.

Most hospitals have a breastfeeding class or a lactation expert to help you get started. This is a great place to learn the basics: how to get your baby to latch onto your breast and how to tell whether she is nursing the right way.

Got milk?

Establishing your milk supply takes is a healthy diet, plenty of fluids, and rest. Some nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, are especially important, since breastfeeding can reduce bone mass. You can get calcium and vitamin D from low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as from fortified cereals. Drinking plenty of liquids is also important, but avoid consuming too much caffeine and alcohol. Too much caffeine can make your baby fussy, and alcohol can actually decrease your milk supply.  

If your baby still seems hungry right after a feeding, and you have no more milk to give, try drinking more fluids and getting more rest. Over time, you’ll become accustomed to changes in your newborn’s demands. Remember: As long as your baby is peeing and having regular bowel movements, she is getting plenty of milk.

Timing is everything

In the early days, nurse your baby whenever she appears hungry. Don’t fret about sticking to a schedule. If she starts to sleep for long stretches, consider waking her up to breastfeed. The more often your baby nurses, the more she will help you build your supply. Also, avoid using pacifiers in these early weeks, so your baby can do all her suckling at your breast.

Know the signs

When your baby is a newborn, feed her only when she’s hungry, which is basically whenever she is crying. Most newborns will nurse 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. That’s because their stomachs are really tiny, and they can’t eat much at one feeding.

You’ll know your newborn is hungry when she’s:

• Rooting (The rooting reflex occurs when she opens her eyes and turns her head towards the position of the breast.)  
• Nuzzling at your breast
• Making sucking motions
• Putting her hands in her mouth
• Crying

Introducing a bottle

If you’re breastfeeding, try to wait until your baby is at least 2 to 4 weeks old before introducing a bottle. Getting your baby to take a bottle usually works best when someone else does the feeding. Get Dad to feed her while you disappear into another room. Watch out: If your baby knows you’re nearby, she might go on a nursing strike!

Start with half an ounce of breast milk that you pumped, and try to give the bottle to your baby an hour or two after a regular feeding. She will be most alert and motivated at this time, but not so hungry that she’ll be frantic and upset.

What’s enough?

Knowing how much your baby eats when you breastfeed isn’t easy. One way to tell is how well she sleeps after a meal. On a full tummy and with a clean diaper, your baby is likely to doze off right after a meal.

Back to work

Fortunately, most women can continue to breastfeed after going back to work. Many employers now provide private rooms for you to pump, and allow for more flexible schedules. If your employer doesn’t make accommodations, talk to your human resources department. They can probably help you settle in and make the transition smooth, easy, and stress-free -- as it should be!

Whether you nurse or use formula, feedings with your baby are special times to bond, allowing you both to cuddle and feel close. But bottle-feeding also gives Dads and other family members a chance to get in the game, help out and grow close to the new baby.

Formula prep
Baby formulas can meet your newborn’s nutritional needs well. And while all formulas are standard and strictly regulated, they are produced in a variety of preparations. The three common ones are: pre-made or ready to feed (usually the most expensive), liquid concentrate (which is a bit less expensive), and powdered (typically the most economical).

If mixed and used properly, the less expensive options are just like pre-made formula. Powdered formula just takes a little more time and effort (be sure to read the mixing directions very carefully).

How much formula should babies drink? 
Newborn babies have tiny tummies and can only handle about one or two teaspoons of formula (which is 5 to 10 ml) at a time. After the first few days or a week, they’ll be ready handle more. Two to three ounces (60 to 90 ml) is probably a good amount of formula for your baby at this point, and she’ll likely want to eat every two to three hours.

Keep in mind that every baby is unique and has different needs. Depending on her mood and hunger level, she may take in a different amount of formula on certain days. It is all within the range of normal, but check with your pediatrician if you have questions about feeding your baby.

Important tips
Keep the following in mind when formula-feeding:

• Babies often lose weight in the days after birth. Don’t worry if this happens. She will probably be back to her birth weight after the first week. You can always ask your doctor to weigh your baby if you are concerned.
• Prepared formula can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours as long as the baby has not touched the nipple.
• You don’t have to heat formula. It’s personal preference: some babies don’t mind their formula a bit cold, others like it warmed. But you should never heat formula in the microwave -- it destroys some of the nutrients and can heat unevenly, creating dangerous hot spots. Always test the temperature before giving your baby a bottle.
• If you think your baby isn’t tolerating her formula, speak with the doctor before you make a switch. Your baby’s pediatrician can help guide you through the various types of formula on the market and pick the right one for your child.

You’ve weighed your options, and you’ve decided you want to breastfeed your baby. However, for some new moms, breastfeeding doesn’t come as naturally as they thought it would. Just hang in there -- it just takes a little time and patience.

The first days
Your breast milk will likely come in a few days after your baby is born. Colostrum (a yellowish substance full of protein and disease-fighting antibodies) arrives first, so keep nursing even if you think nothing’s coming out. Colostrum is meant to be your baby’s first food and is important for newborn health.

Don’t be shy about asking for help! Most hospitals have a breastfeeding class that you can take before you give birth; they’ll also have lactation experts on staff for one-on-one help. Get some guidance to learn how to help your baby latch onto the breast, and be able to tell whether she is nursing properly.

Establishing a good milk supply
Rest, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids are all essential components for a good milk supply. Your milk changes its taste based on the food you consume, so you may notice your baby reacting to what you’ve eaten. Most newborns adjust well to the flavors of their mom’s milk, so try not to worry that the spicy stir-fry you had for dinner is affecting your child. Remember, moms all over the world eat all kinds of foods and successfully nurse at the same time! A good milk supply is built by nursing regularly, or about every two to three hours for infants. The more you nurse, the more milk you’ll make.

Years ago, it was believed that pacifier use would interfere with how much your baby takes from the breast. Thankfully, this thinking has been debunked. It’s fine to introduce a pacifier once you’ve gotten into a good breastfeeding routine, usually after three to four weeks. Pacifier use may also reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is another great reason to introduce it.

Using a bottle
Even the most dedicated breastfeeding mothers may want to supplement with a bottle. But it’s best not to start this until nursing is well established, usually when your baby is 3 to 4 weeks old. Some babies will balk at the bottle if it’s given by mom, even if it contains beloved breast milk. Newborns are smart -- in many cases they can smell their moms and prefer to feed at the breast. Your best bet here is let Dad, a babysitter, or other family member offer the first few bottles until your baby learns to accept the milk this way.

Feeding times
When your baby is a newborn, feed her whenever she is crying -- on demand. She won’t eat much at any one feeding since her stomach is so small. Most newborns nurse often, usually 10 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period.

Watch for these hunger signs:

• The rooting reflex -- she’ll open her eyes and turn her head toward the place where your breast might be
• Nuzzling at your breast
• Making sucking motions or putting her hands to her mouth
• Crying

How much breast milk is enough?
You can’t see the milk going into your baby’s mouth (though it may drip a little around her lips), but you can tell she’s getting it by the swallowing sounds she makes. You’ll also know she’s eating enough by counting her diapers. She should be wetting several each day, even 8 to 12, with pale yellow urine and about 4 to 5 with soft yellow bowel movements. She’ll also appear satisfied after each feeding and may doze off. Babies who are properly nursing will gain four to seven ounces a week. (You can bring your baby to the doctor for a weigh-in if you have concerns.)

When there isn’t enough milk
It’s hard work keeping up with the feeding demands of a newborn! You may feel like you’re nursing around the clock but your baby is still hungry. Try not to be alarmed. Babies go through growth spurts, nursing more on some days than others. Your body will learn to adapt and catch up. Still, there are a few things you can do to help. Drink more fluids (keep a glass of water where you sit to nurse to remind yourself) and try to sleep when the baby sleeps. (This is easier said than done!) Slowing down your activities and errands will give your body the rest it needs and can help boost milk production.

Milk on the go
Breastfeeding doesn’t have to stop if you go back to work. Many companies today understand the needs of new moms and offer spaces for pumping breast milk. If your employer doesn’t have a private, clean and relaxing place for you to pump, talk with your human resources representative.

As a new mom, you’re now lined up to face 18 years’ worth of unique tests and challenges that come with being a parent. One of the very first? Next to feeding and changing diapers, you’ll have to care for your newborn’s umbilical stump, an essential baby care basic all new parents should know.

Once your baby’s umbilical cord is cut after birth, it gradually starts to shrivel up. In a week or two, it’ll fall off completely and reveal an adorable belly button -- though you’ll have to wait and see whether it’s an innie or an outie. In the meantime, you’ll need to care for the stump to help it heal.

Helpful cord care hints

1. Keep it clean. Doctors used to tell parents to clean the stump’s base with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Now they say it’s best to leave the area alone completely, since alcohol could irritate the skin. Natural antimicrobials like goldenseal root or echinacea could help, but talk to your pediatrician first.
   
   
2. Keep it dry. Let your baby’s skin be exposed to air as often as possible, which will help the stump stay dry and speed up healing time. Fold the top of your baby’s diaper down so the stump sticks out, or use special newborn diapers with an umbilical cord notch for the stump.
   
   
3. Stick to sponge baths. They’ll help keep your baby clean without submerging his stump in water, which could increase the risk for infection. If the stump does get wet, fan it dry instead of rubbing, to prevent irritation.
   
   
4. Let the cord do its thing. Your baby’s stump will heal and fall off on its own. So as hard as it might be, resist the temptation to touch it, pick at it, or try to pull it off, which could increase the risk of infection.