Undefeated method to help our newborn poop
Sharing only because this “baby hack” has worked so unbelievably well for me and our 5 week old that not posting about it was starting to feel like gatekeeping…
Poop Hack: Massage baby’s feet to help alleviate mild constipation and/or when they’re actively trying/straining but without luck.
Foot massages can be done while baby is laying down on their back or while sitting in a bouncer (which I’ve been told is its own laxative of sorts!) but here’s what’s worked for us without fail (6 attempts, 100% success rate):
- Sit with baby’s back to you so you’re both in an upright seated position. With a 5 week old, I tend to sit back to have a very, very slight recline just to better manage baby’s head/neck stability.
- Then I use both hands to simultaneously massage baby’s feet with my thumbs and forefingers. Note: My baby didn’t love this new physical interaction at first and kept trying to pull her feet away, arch her back, etc. If you can, try to push through to see if they acclimate.
- If your baby is anything like mine, their entire body will relax into their spa treatment so I suggest using your arms as guardrails to hold their upper body in place and to keep them securely seated against you—don’t let them get too slouchy while you’re massaging those baby toes.
- Massage gently but consistently, if allowed, for as long as you can. Worst case, you just give you and your baby a nice moment of bonding time together where they feel comforted and relaxed.
- If things go as planned, you might not get much of a warning before the bowel movement. This has been my experience every single time. However, listen for tummy grumbles and passing gas. Even if a massage doesn’t end with a poop, encouraging movement of gas and food in their bellies is always a good thing.
Last but not least, a quick PSA before attempting this: our baby hadn’t pooped for an entire day the first time I gave this a shot. It worked, but it also led to an absolutely cataclysmic diaper blowout. Like, one for the books that left me utterly paralyzed not knowing where to even begin for cleanup. So, consider yourselves warned.
Otherwise, I sincerely hope this ridiculous hack finds its way into the lives of other parents in desperate need of a win. May the poop odds be ever in your favor! 🫡