Hard Stools In Newborns: What's Normal?

Newborns can have very different poop patterns, and it's not uncommon for parents to worry about their baby's bowel movements. The frequency of a newborn's poop depends on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to have more frequent bowel movements, and their poop is often softer and more liquid. Formula-fed babies may have fewer bowel movements, and their poop is usually firmer and more paste-like. In the first few days after birth, a newborn's poop is typically black and sticky, known as meconium. After this, the colour of their poop can vary from yellow to light brown or greenish, and the texture can be seedy or runny. While it's normal for a newborn's poop to vary in colour and texture, there are some signs that may indicate a problem. If your newborn's poop is hard and pebble-like, it could be a sign of constipation. Other causes for concern include maroon or bloody stools, white or grey stools, or a sudden change in poop pattern with watery stools, which could indicate an infection.

Frequency of newborn poop

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements can vary, but it is still an important indicator of their overall health and nutrition. In the first few days of life, a newborn will pass meconium, a black, sticky, tar-like substance. After this, their stool will become lighter and runnier, and may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour.

During the first few weeks of life, the frequency of a newborn's bowel movements largely depends on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, whereas formula-fed newborns may have fewer. On average, breastfed newborns will have at least one poopy diaper for every day of life during the first five days. After this, the average breastfed newborn will have about five dirty diapers a day, though anywhere around several per day is usually normal. Formula-fed babies typically poop three to four times a day, but some go as long as three or four days without a bowel movement.

After six weeks, the frequency of pooping typically decreases. Many babies poop only once a day, and some as infrequently as once a week. This is usually not a cause for concern, as long as the baby is maintaining a healthy weight.

If your newborn hasn't pooped in four days, you should call your pediatrician, as this could be a sign of constipation.

Newborn poop colour

The colour of a newborn's poop can be surprising to new parents, but it can provide important clues about their health and diet. Here's a guide to help you understand the different colours of newborn poop and when to seek medical advice.

Meconium

The first poop of a newborn is called meconium, which is typically greenish-black or black and has a tarry, sticky texture. It is composed of mucus, amniotic fluid, skin cells, and other substances ingested in the womb. Meconium is usually passed within the first 24 hours of life and may continue for a few days.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies usually have yellow or slightly green poop with a mushy, creamy, or loose consistency. It may be runny and resemble Dijon mustard, with small seed-like flecks. Breastfed babies may also have brighter green poop, which could be due to the mother's diet or a breast milk imbalance.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies tend to have thicker, pasty, peanut butter-like poop. The colour ranges from tan-brown to yellow-brown or greenish-brown. Formula-fed babies may also have firmer stools compared to breastfed babies.

Solid Food Introduction

Once solid foods are introduced, the poop becomes thicker and darker, resembling typical adult poop. It may vary in consistency depending on the food consumed and can be brown, dark brown, or pebble-like.

Red Poop

Red poop can be caused by red solids in the diet, such as beets or tomato juice. However, it may also indicate the presence of blood in the stool, which could be due to an intestinal infection, milk allergies, or anal fissures. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice red stool.

White or Pale Poop

White, grey, or pale-yellow stools can be a sign of a liver problem, such as biliary atresia, which requires medical attention. Pale-coloured poop may also indicate jaundice, a common condition in newborns.

Green Poop

Green poop is often seen in babies who are starting solid foods, especially green vegetables like spinach and peas. It can also be caused by slow digestion, a cold, stomach bug, food allergies, antibiotics, or treatment for jaundice.

Black Poop

Black poop in newborns younger than one week is considered normal. However, if it persists beyond this age, it could indicate bleeding in the digestive system, and medical advice should be sought.

Orange Poop

Orange poop is a result of pigments picked up in the baby's digestive tract and can occur in both breastfed and formula-fed infants.

Brown Poop

Brown poop is common in older infants and may be influenced by the consumption of formula or solid foods.

Summary

While newborn poop colours can vary significantly, certain colours may indicate potential health issues. White, red, or black poop are the most concerning colours and require medical attention. It is important for parents to monitor their baby's poop colour and consistency and consult a doctor if they have any concerns.

Newborn poop consistency

Newborns typically pass meconium, a sticky, tar-like substance, in the first few days after birth. This is a newborn's first poop and is completely normal. After this, the stool will turn into a lighter, runnier consistency and may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies may pass seedy, loose stools that can sometimes be watery. The stool may look like mustard in colour and texture. It is not uncommon for breastfed newborns to poop after every feed during the first few weeks of life. This is a good sign, indicating that they are getting plenty of milk.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies' bowel movements are usually firmer and more paste-like than breastfed babies' stools. However, the stool shouldn't be firmer than the consistency of peanut butter. Formula-fed babies may pass yellow-green or light brown stools.

When to Call the Doctor

• If your baby hasn't pooped in four days, as this could be a sign of constipation.
• If your baby is straining to pass a stool and their poop is hard and pebble-like.
• If there is blood in your baby's stool.
• If your baby's stool is white or light grey, as this could indicate a liver condition.

Newborn constipation

Constipation in newborns can be a worrying issue for parents, but it's important to remember that most of the time, your baby is not truly constipated. Newborns may not have developed a regular bowel movement pattern yet, and their diet and feeding method can also impact their stool consistency and frequency.

Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation is characterised by hard, dry stools that are difficult for your baby to pass. Other signs of constipation include:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Fussiness or irritability
• Decreased appetite or feeding difficulties
• Tears or cracks around the anus
• Bloating or a swollen abdomen

Causes of Constipation

One of the main causes of constipation in newborns is a change in diet, such as switching from breast milk to formula or introducing solid foods. Bottle-fed infants are more prone to constipation than breastfed babies. Additionally, a lack of fibre in their diet or insufficient fluid intake can contribute to constipation.

In rare cases, constipation may be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as problems with nerve endings in the bowel or issues with the formation of the intestine at birth.

Treatment Options

If you suspect your newborn is constipated, there are several strategies you can try:

• Offer extra fluids, such as water or 100% fruit juice (in small amounts), if your baby is old enough.
• Gently rub or massage their stomach to stimulate the bowel and help manage discomfort.
• Provide a warm bath to relax and soothe your baby.
• Introduce pureed fruits or vegetables, such as pears, peaches, or prunes, to increase fibre intake.
• For older babies, try adding stewed prunes or apricots to their meals or offering diluted prune juice.
• Consult your paediatrician or child health nurse for advice on baby-safe laxatives or other medical treatments if necessary.

When to call a pediatrician

Frequency

If your newborn hasn't pooped in four days, contact a pediatrician as this could be a sign of constipation. Typically, newborns will poop anywhere from every feeding to every two to three days. Breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed babies.

Colour

• Maroon or bloody stools: Call a pediatrician.
• Black stools: If your baby passes black stools after passing meconium (usually after day four), contact a doctor.
• White or grey stools: Contact a pediatrician.
• Red poop: This is usually caused by red food or medicine. However, bloody stool could signal allergies or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Call a doctor if you see blood in your baby's poop.
• Dark green poop: This is usually caused by bile, a fluid made in the liver that aids digestion. Inspect the stool closely to ensure it's not black, as that could be cause for concern.
• Yellow, orange, or brown poop: This is normal.

Consistency

• Very loose or watery stool for three or more diapers: This could lead to dehydration, so call a pediatrician.
• Hard, pellet-like poop: This is a sign of constipation, so contact a doctor.

Other

• Diarrhea or explosive diarrhea: This could be a symptom of a virus or bacteria. Let your pediatrician know.
• Bright green or neon green stool: While often normal, this could be due to a breast milk imbalance or sensitivity to something in the mother's diet. Contact a doctor.
• Baby isn't passing stool: This could be a sign that a breastfed baby isn't eating enough. See your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Frequently asked questions