Baby Straining to Poo: Infant Dyschezia Explained | Parenting Hub
Healthy babies often grunt, strain and go red trying to poo — even when poo is soft. It's called dyschezia and almost always resolves on its own.
Babies who go red, strain, grunt and cry for 10–20 minutes before passing a soft poo aren't constipated. It's a normal coordination issue called infant dyschezia.
What's happening
To poo, baby needs to push down with the tummy and relax the pelvic floor at the same time. Young babies haven't coordinated this yet — so they push hard against a closed floor. Eventually it relaxes and a soft poo comes out.
How to tell it apart from constipation
- Dyschezia: lots of straining/crying, then SOFT poo
- Constipation: straining, then HARD, dry, pellet-like poo
What helps
- Reassurance — let baby work it out
- Bicycle legs and warm bath can help relax the pelvic floor
- Avoid rectal stimulation (cotton bud, thermometer) — it teaches baby to wait for the cue rather than learn
When to seek help
- Poo is hard, dry or pellet-like (constipation — different problem)
- Blood on the poo
- Vomiting or refusing feeds
- Persists past 9 months — GP review
Common questions
Should I use a glycerin suppository?
No — not for dyschezia. Babies need to learn the coordination. Suppositories or rectal stimulation are only for true constipation under GP guidance.