Baby Digestion Problems: What’s Normal

You’ve changed the fifth diaper today, your baby’s grunting like a baby goat, and you’re starting to wonder if any of this is normal. Is it gas? Reflux? Constipation? Or just part of the bumpy ride that is newborn digestion? If you’ve found yourself Googling “baby digestion problems” at 2 a.m., you’re in good company—and you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down what’s happening in your baby’s gut (in real human terms), which symptoms are totally normal, and when it might be time to talk to your pediatrician. Plus, we’ll share gentle, at-home tips that can help soothe those tiny tummies—and your nerves too.

Why Baby Bellies Are So Sensitive (And That’s Okay)

Here’s the thing: your baby’s digestive system is brand new. Like, brand-brand new. At birth, their tiny tummy is roughly the size of a marble, their gut lining is still developing, and their digestive enzymes are just getting online. Translation? Food moves fast (or sometimes not at all), gas builds up quickly, and poop... well, it doesn’t always make sense.

What’s Going On Inside:

• Immature digestive tract: It takes time for babies to produce the enzymes needed to break down milk proteins and sugars efficiently.

• Swallowing air: Whether breastfed or bottle-fed, babies often gulp air while feeding—especially when crying—which leads to that classic gassy discomfort.

• Gut-brain connection: Babies feel everything in their bellies more intensely because their nervous systems are still learning how to regulate digestion. That’s why even a small gas bubble can cause major drama.

  
  

What’s Totally Normal (but Often Alarming):

• Lots of grunting, straining, and tooting

• Frequent spit-up (especially after feeds or during tummy time)

• Pooping every diaper… or only once every few days

• Squirmy behavior during or after feeding

  
  

It doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” Most of the time, it just means your baby’s digestive system is warming up to the job.

🍼 Pro tip: Think of digestion in infancy like a new appliance—you might hear some odd sounds, see some weird output, and wonder if it’s broken. But give it time, and it usually sorts itself out beautifully.