Why does my baby grunt and strain so much?
1 min read
Grunting and straining are normal newborn behaviors, not usually a sign of pain or a problem. From the very beginning, babies make a wide variety of grunts, squeaks, sighs, and sneezes as they adjust to life outside the womb.
Babies also work surprisingly hard to pass a bowel movement, so straining, turning red, or even crying during the effort isn't necessarily alarming. Imagine trying to poop lying on your back, and you'll understand why it takes such visible effort. Some grunting and straining can also come from swallowed air and gas, which is very common.
A few gentle techniques can help move trapped gas along and ease your baby's discomfort while this passes.
What you can do
- Lay your baby on their back and gently bicycle their legs
- Offer supervised tummy time to help move gas along
- Burp your baby during and after each feeding
- Call your pediatrician if your baby strains over 10 minutes without success, has hard or bloody stools, or seems unusually fussy
Based on AAP guidance. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
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