Understanding your baby’s poo can be an essential part of ensuring their health and well-being. While it might not be the most glamorous part of parenting, knowing what’s normal and when to seek advice can give you peace of mind. This guide breaks it all down for you with insights from Pampers’ expert advice.
What to Expect in the First Few Days
In the early days after birth, your baby will pass meconium—a dark, sticky, tar-like substance. This is completely normal and is made up of materials ingested in the womb.
- Appearance: Black or dark green.
- Texture: Thick and sticky.
- Duration: Lasts 1-3 days before transitioning to normal stools.
If your baby doesn’t pass meconium within 48 hours, consult your healthcare provider.
Transitioning to Regular Baby Poo
As your baby starts feeding, their poo will change based on whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed.
- Breastfed Babies: Expect yellow, seedy, and runny stools with a sweet smell. They’re likely to poo more frequently.
- Formula-Fed Babies: Typically, stools are firmer and may be brown or yellow with a slightly stronger smell. Frequency may be less compared to breastfed babies.
Normal Colours of Baby Poo
Baby poo comes in various colours, most of which are perfectly normal. Here’s a quick guide:
- Yellow: Common in breastfed babies.
- Green: Can occur during the transition phase or due to iron supplements.
- Brown: Typical for formula-fed babies or older infants.
When to Be Concerned About Colour
Certain colours can indicate an underlying issue and warrant a conversation with your GP:
- Red: Could indicate blood in the stool.
- White or Grey: May be a sign of a liver problem.
- Black (after meconium): Could indicate digested blood.
Always seek professional advice if you notice these colours.
Baby Poo Texture and Consistency
Changes in texture are common as your baby grows. Here’s what to expect:
- Runny or Loose: Normal for breastfed babies but could also indicate diarrhoea if excessive.
- Hard or Pellet-Like: Often a sign of constipation.
- Mucousy: May occur during teething or indicate an infection.
Frequency of Baby Poo
Frequency varies widely among babies:
- Newborns: May poo after every feed.
- Older Babies: Could have one bowel movement every few days.
As long as your baby seems comfortable and their poo appears normal, variations in frequency are usually not a concern.
Weaning and Poo Changes
When you introduce solid foods, you’ll notice significant changes in your baby’s poo:
- Colour: Can vary depending on what they eat (e.g., orange from carrots).
- Smell: Becomes stronger.
- Texture: May be thicker or even contain undigested food bits.
Ensure your baby is getting plenty of fluids to avoid constipation during this stage.
Managing Common Baby Poo Problems
- Constipation: Offer extra fluids or gentle tummy massages. For persistent issues, consult your GP.
- Diarrhoea: Monitor hydration levels and seek advice if it lasts more than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever.
- Nappy Rash: Change nappies frequently and use a barrier cream to protect sensitive skin.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation.
- Blood or mucus in the stool.
- Unusual colours like white, grey, or black.
- Sudden changes in frequency or consistency.