My baby always seems to strain, yet he doesn't cry. He strains and his face is a little red. Is this normal?

It is normal for babies to seem like they are straining even though they are not crying. At this age, they may not yet have control over their sphincters, leading them to push without anything coming out immediately. After a few minutes, their body will eventually release the sphincter and relieve the discomfort. So, it is common for babies to strain without actually being constipated.