How can I tell if he's constipated?

DS is 7.5 months, breastfed and small amount of solids. He usually poos every day and more than once a day. He does go one day without pooing every now and then but makes up for it the next day with an explosive mess. But now he hasn't pooed for 2 whole days. He seems to be eating fine and in a good mood so not noticeably uncomfortable I suppose. I've got some pears so maybe I'll cook him some for breakfast tomorrow?
How do I know if it's ok for him not to poo for this long? How long do I wait before doing something about it?

DD was the same when we were introducing more solids. After a few days she starting straining and crying. Things definitely get a bit less predictable from here, from what I know :)

It does often happen when they start solids. I may be a sign that his gut is struggling. You could 'mess' with things and see if he seems more comfortable, perhaps?
Generally, if it's not hard/difficult to pass, then it's probably not constipation. But you kinda have to figure it out as you go

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After a few days she starting straining and crying

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Poor chicken! Was it formed when she went or still loose bm poo? DSs are still quite loose when he goes and not formed but I'm worried it will become formed the longer it's in there...

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You could 'mess' with things and see if he seems more comfortable, perhaps?

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I'm not sure what you mean?

Bit of both. But they did start to change to more formed after the bout of constipation.

Totally normal. MCHN said to me (when DS1 had gone a full week!) that anything up to 10 days was normal , and not to do anything about it unless he became distressed.

HTH.

I mean change how/what you're feeding him ;)
I think he's probably fine

Thanks ladies. He did a poo this morning. I saw him pushing so I laid him on his back and did bicycle legs and he did a very different to usual poo. It was pretty unpleasant to change. He seemed pretty impressed with himself though.