Expert: ruth kraft - 8/4/2009

Question
My baby is 4mo. old and hasn't pooped in 2 days now.  He is normally very regular, pooping 4-5 times a day.  He is strictly breastfed except for some rice cereal a couple of times a day.  He's been on the cereal for 2 weeks now, with regular bowel movements. Now, nothing.  He is a little gassy.  Should I be worried?

Answer
no, you don't really need to be worried. although its very early for rice cereal. He really doesnt need the rice cereal until after 6 months. So that is likely to be whats causing some of the gas issue as its hard to digest. their digestive track isnt really ready until 6 months of age. The academy of pediatrics recommends that for babies exclusivley breastfed, that nothing other than breastmilk until 6 months is the best choice. if he seems to get a harder belly and very uncomfortable, then take him to the dr :)

Good luck!