Baby’s Poop 101 – All You Need To Know

Parenting can be easier when you have a good insight into your baby’s health condition at different stages of their development. Your baby’s poop has many physical characteristics that can indicate their well-being, that is, help you know their current health condition and what you need to do when they need your help either with or without a doctor’s intervention.

These physical characteristics include different colors, texture, and consistency of the poop he or she voids, so it is not only about changing and getting rid of your baby’s diaper but checking the content. While some poops are normal, some can be as a result of a more complicated condition that may require urgent medical attention.

Types of baby poop

Meconium– This is a black or greenish-black poop newborns void in their first week after birth. The components of this poop were ingested when the baby was in the uterus, these include epithelial cells of the intestine, intrauterine debris, bile pigments, mucus, amniotic fluid, etc. and it is usually sticky. Babies are expected to have their first bowel movement in the first 24 hours after birth except there is a condition such as intestinal blockage or stuck stools. Meconium is usually passed out completely a few days after birth. If it extends past a week, parents are advised to see a doctor as it may be an internal problem.

Transitional poop: The meconium begins to transition to a brighter poop, from dark green to army green then to a mustard yellow color known as breastfed poop. This appears seed-like and has a sweet smell. It can be mistaken as diarrhea as it has a runny consistency. The yellowish color can appear green if the mother consumes green-colored food or vegetables. If a bloodstain is observed in the poop, the baby might have ingested blood during delivery or the mother might have a bleeding nipple, It is best to see a doctor.

Formula-fed poop: The poop becomes firmer, brownish in color, and more odorous. It can also be seed-like in appearance due to undigested milk. Some babies may pass more gas, spit-up more, be constipated, or have digestive issues when they begin Formula. However, it does get better with time.

Solid-fed poop: This has a wide range of colors and it may change from time to time depending on the color of food the baby is fed on. When solid foods like cereals, vegetables are given to a baby, the poop tends to be firmer and smellier. There is also a higher risk of constipation. The baby should be given enough liquid during this period.

How often should your baby poop?

Breastfed
In their early weeks, pooping frequently is normal especially during a breastfeeding session or after. It is normal for babies to pass stool after every feed. It can also range anywhere from 3 – 12 times a day. You may be relieved to know that this slows down after the first month and your baby may only poop around 1-2time a day.

Contrary to this, your baby may not pass stool at all or as frequent as expected, if not properly fed.

Ways you can help your breastfeeding baby to poop

Allowing your baby to latch-on longer, that is, giving your baby enough breast milk can help increase bowel movement. Call your pediatrician if there are no changes.

Formula-fed
The frequency at which your baby will poop slows down when formula is introduced. The texture, color, and consistency of the poop will also change. Expect 3-4 bowel movements per day. After a while, some babies can go 2-4 days without pooping. You can call your pediatrician if your formula-fed baby doesn’t poop after five days as it may be a symptom of constipation.

Ways you can help your formula-fed baby with constipation

Stimulating his or her bowel – This can be done by gently moving his/her legs in a circular motion or gently massaging the stomach.
Adequate liquid intake – if your baby is still breastfeeding, give him or her enough milk. Water can help too, you can add a few drops of (orange) juice in the water to aid bowel movement.
The formula given should be high in fiber.
Bathing your baby with warm water to relax the abdominal muscle.

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Solid-fed
Bowel movement is reduced as solid foods take more time to digest. Your baby can poop 1-2 times a day or even go days without pooping. The inability to poop at all can be caused by constipation and the solutions above can help too.

When to call your doctor

Some abnormalities may occur in a child’s poop that may require a doctor’s immediate attention. These include:

Watery or mucus in poops: This signifies diarrhea. It can be caused either by an allergy, a parasite, a viral or bacterial infection. The frequency at which a baby suffering from diarrhea poop can result in dehydration and weight loss in the baby. Physically, this poop is bright yellow in color, smelly and runny.

Hard or pebble-like poop– This is a sign of constipation which usually occur in formula-fed or solid fed babies.

Blood in poop: Parents should be concerned about this as it may be caused by an anal fissure that occurs when the baby is constipated, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, blood in breast milk, or on the nipple.

Black poop: If your baby’s poop is black after the first few days of birth, it is unhealthy. Bleeding in the upper digestive tract may cause blood in poop, turning it to a black poop.