Newborn always straining?

[MummytoArthur]

I have a 3 week old, formula fed and feeds well every 2-3 hrs. He does poo, it's soft and yellow which I'm told is how it should be.
I'm concerned though because baby is constantly straining and passing wind etc and seems to get very distressed (he doesn't cry though)

He is spending a good 4-5 hours of the day straining and appearing to be 'trying to go'

When he does go, he has short term relief and then starts straining again.

Would you change his milk even though he appears to be getting on with it ok? Is it normal to be straining this much?

They put a lot of effort into pooing at that age. If its soft and normal consistency when it arrives and he's happy enough the i wouldn't change milk

Pretty normal from my experience - I wouldn't worry if he's otherwise well and has regular dirty nappies.

I think it's normal, a lot of them go through a phase of resisting gas and getting cross.

Thanks everyone, he's on Cow & Gate, I've ordered some of their 'colic and constipation' formula to try. He's currently on their infant milk and hungry baby milk, so I'll see if it helps.

He's been straining almost constantly since 6am, but we have had a poo thankfully. Hopefully he'll get a bit of sleep now

don't give hungry milk, its totally inappropriate for a 3 week old and can cause stomach issues and constipation

@dementedpixie The Cow & Gate hungry milk is from birth, perfectly fine.

It may say suitable from birth but as its made from casein milk protein it is harder to digest and can cause digestive issues and constipation. It is not appropriate for a 3 week old baby who should be given a whey based first infant milk

I agree with demented pixie, no need for hungry milk.

Are you feeding that in conjunction with first milk? Just stick to the first. I wouldn't chop and change with the consolation one, give it a while longer. Otherwise he'll be starting to get used to it when the formula changes.

Agreed that hungry milk may not be helping. Has it been recommended by your midwife/HV? Other than that some babies are very windy and do strain a lot.