A reader writes: “Grunting baby syndrome. Is this really a thing? My 6-week-old son grunts, strains, and writhes from approximately 3 to 6 a.m. every night. Most of the time he sleeps through it. My GP suspects reflux but ranitidine has not helped. Also, he’s very happy/calm all day rarely fusses or cries. My Google searching came across grunting baby syndrome. Is that a real thing? When do babies grow out of it on average?”
One of the fun things about writing this blog are good questions, or questions about things I had never heard of before. And, yes, grunting baby syndrome is a real thing, and something I’ve talked with parents about for years. I’d just never heard this name for it. I think the name is mostly used in the U.K. (most of the sites I found referring to it come from across the pond), but it seems to be catching on here. Whatever you call it, it’s one of those things that makes sense with a little explanation.
Anyone who’s had a newborn knows that poop doesn’t always come easily. There’s often a big show, with grunting and a red face, and sometimes crying. (This is the baby we’re talking about, here. Not dad. I think.) But the poo itself isn’t hard or even firm; it’s normal, ordinary baby poo, soft as applesauce or weird yellow pudding. So why the big show? Why all the grunting?
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