Newborns And Poop: What To Expect After Feeding

do newborns poop after every feed

Newborns can poop anywhere from after every feed to once every few days. This variation is considered normal, and is largely dependent on whether the newborn is breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed newborns tend to have several bowel movements each day, while formula-fed newborns may have fewer. The frequency of bowel movements may also change as the newborn grows older, with some babies continuing to poop after every feed for longer than others.

Characteristics Values
Frequency Newborns may poop every time they eat, or only once every few days
Breastfed newborns Tend to have several bowel movements each day
Formula-fed newborns May have fewer bowel movements than breastfed newborns
First stool Meconium, a black, sticky, tar-like substance
After first few days Newborn bowel movements turn into a lighter, runnier stool, which may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour
After starting solids Expect at least 3 bowel movements per day, but may be up to 4-12 for some babies
Stool consistency (breastfed) Seedy, loose stools; may look like mustard in colour and texture
Stool consistency (formula-fed) Yellow-green or light brown stool; firmer and more paste-like than breastfed babies' stool
Causes of changes to stool Changes in diet, such as switching from breast milk to formula or changing formula type
When to see a doctor Maroon or bloody stools, black stools after passing meconium, white or grey stools, more stool than normal, stool with a large amount of mucus or water
Dehydration Can accompany diarrhoea
Constipation Uncommon in newborns, particularly with breastfeeding; may be indicated by hard stools or trouble passing stool

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Frequency of newborn poop

Newborns can poop anywhere from after every feed to once every few days. The frequency of a newborn's poop depends on a variety of factors, including their diet and whether they are breastfed or formula-fed.

Breastfed babies

Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, with some pooping after every feed. This is because the stomach fills up with milk, stimulating the intestinal tract and prompting a bowel movement. Breastfed babies' poop is usually very liquid, soft, or runny, and doesn't have a strong smell. It may look like mustard in colour and texture. It is normal for breastfed babies to have one to eight bowel movements a day, with an average of four. However, some equally healthy babies only poop every seven to ten days, depending on their digestive system.

Formula-fed babies

Formula-fed newborns may have fewer bowel movements than breastfed babies, with an average of two stools a day. The poop of formula-fed babies tends to be firmer in texture, darker in colour, and smellier than that of breastfed babies. It may be yellow-green or light brown in colour and firmer and more paste-like in consistency, but it shouldn't be firmer than the consistency of peanut butter.

Changes to stool

As your baby grows, you will likely notice changes to their stool. Changes in diet, such as switching from breast milk to formula or introducing solid foods, can also lead to changes in the amount, consistency, and colour of their stool.

When to be concerned

If you are concerned about your newborn's poop frequency or consistency, or if you notice any of the following, contact your paediatrician or GP:

  • Maroon or bloody stools
  • Black stools after your baby has passed meconium (usually after the first few days of life)
  • White or grey stools
  • More stool per day than is normal for your baby
  • Stool with a large amount of mucus or water
  • Hard, dry stools, which could indicate constipation
  • Very watery bowel movements, which could be a sign of an infection
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Breastfed vs formula-fed babies' poop

Breastfed vs Formula-Fed Babies: Poop

Frequency

Breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed babies. Breastfed babies can have a bowel movement after every feed, or as little as once every seven days. Formula-fed babies tend to have fewer bowel movements, with an average of two per day.

Colour

The colour of a baby's poop can be influenced by their diet, intestinal lining, or how they digest milk.

Breastfed babies' poop will be in the green-yellow-brown palette as long as they continue breastfeeding. Formula-fed babies' poop is typically slightly lighter, ranging from tan to yellow-brown or greenish-brown.

Consistency

Breastfed babies' poop is softer and more liquid than formula-fed babies' poop. Formula-fed babies' poop is usually thicker and pastier, with a consistency similar to peanut butter.

Changes to Bowel Movements

Changes to a baby's typical bowel movement patterns can be caused by adjustments to their feeding patterns or the mother's diet. In some cases, changes may indicate food sensitivities or illness.

When to See a Doctor

If your baby hasn't pooped in four days, you should contact your paediatrician as this could be a sign of constipation. You should also seek medical advice if your baby's bowel movements are especially watery, dry, hard, or difficult to pass, or if there is blood in their stool.

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Poop colour meaning

The colour of a newborn's poop can tell you a lot about their health. Here's a guide to help you understand what those colours mean:

Black Poop

In newborns younger than 1 week, black poop is considered healthy. This is called meconium, which is the first stool that a baby passes, comprising cells, amniotic fluid, bile, and mucus that the baby ingested while in the womb. After this initial period, black poop could indicate a health problem, such as bleeding in the digestive system.

Greenish-Black Poop

In the first few days after birth, it is normal for newborns to have greenish-black, tarry, sticky poop, which is also meconium. Two to four days after birth, you may notice "transitional stools" that are green and less sticky than meconium.

Green Poop

Green poop is common in babies and can have several causes, including slow digestion (often due to overeating), green foods in the diet of a breastfeeding parent, a cold or stomach bug, food allergy or intolerance, antibiotics, or treatment for jaundice. If the baby is gaining weight and seems content, green poop is usually not a cause for concern.

Yellow Poop

Yellow poop is typical in newborns after the initial black meconium. It is considered a healthy colour for breastfed babies, who tend to have mustard yellow, seedy, and pasty stools. Formula-fed babies may also have yellow poop, but it is usually firmer and less frequent.

Brown Poop

Brown poop is another common colour for newborns, seen in both breastfed and formula-fed babies. Formula-fed babies' poop tends to be light brown or orange, firmer, and smellier than that of breastfed babies.

Red Poop

Red poop is typically a cause for concern and may indicate the presence of blood in the stool. However, it could also be due to red foods or medications consumed by the baby or the breastfeeding parent. If you see blood in the stool, contact your doctor.

White Poop

White or chalky-coloured poop is uncommon and may indicate a problem with the baby's liver or a lack of bile production. It could also be a sign of jaundice. White poop is considered a serious concern and should be addressed by a doctor.

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Diaper rash

It is normal for newborns to poop after every feed. In fact, it is not unusual for newborns to poop a lot, as they spend most of their waking hours eating. Breastfed babies tend to poop more than formula-fed ones, and their poop is more liquid-like.

Frequent bowel movements can make babies more susceptible to diaper rash. This common skin condition in infants is caused by too much moisture and/or prolonged contact with urine and stool in the diaper area. The skin may become red, tender, and warm to the touch, and there may be painful, open sores.

To prevent diaper rash, it is important to keep the baby's bottom clean and dry. Change diapers frequently, and gently clean the diaper area with warm water and a soft washcloth. Allow the area to air-dry fully, and apply a thick layer of protective diaper rash cream or ointment containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. Keep the diaper loose, especially overnight, to prevent chafing.

If the diaper rash does not improve after a few days of home treatment, consult a doctor.

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Signs of constipation

Constipation in babies is characterised by a range of symptoms, including changes in stool consistency and frequency, as well as behavioural indicators.

Stool Consistency

One of the most common signs of constipation is hard, dry stools. These can be large and difficult to pass, or small and pellet-like. In newborns, stools should be soft and watery, or seed-like in the case of breastfed babies.

Bowel Movement Frequency

Another indicator of constipation is a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. If your baby has not had a bowel movement in three or more days, this could be a sign of constipation. However, it is important to note that the normal range for bowel movements in babies varies, and some babies may go several days without a bowel movement, which is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Pain and Discomfort

Constipation can cause pain and discomfort during bowel movements, which may manifest as excessive straining, grunting, and redness in your baby. They may also pull their legs up to their stomach, indicating abdominal pain.

Blood in Stools

Blood on the outside of the stools, often associated with a small tear on the outside of the rectum, is another potential sign of constipation. This tear can cause pain and lead to withholding stools, further worsening constipation.

Soiling Between Bowel Movements

Soiling, or liquid waste leakage, between bowel movements may also be a sign of constipation. This occurs when the stool becomes too large and difficult to pass, causing leakage.

If you suspect your baby is constipated, it is important to consult your paediatrician or healthcare professional for advice. They may recommend dietary changes, such as increasing water and fibre intake, or gentle exercises to help relieve constipation.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it's normal for your baby to poop after every feed, especially if they are breastfed. In fact, it's a good sign that they are getting plenty of milk.

The frequency of a newborn's pooping schedule varies from baby to baby. On average, newborns have one or more bowel movements per day, but some may poop up to five or more times a day in their first two weeks of life, while others may go days without pooping.

If your newborn hasn't pooped in four days, you should contact your paediatrician as it could be a sign of constipation. Additionally, if there is a sudden change in your baby's poop pattern and their stool becomes watery, check with their doctor as it could be a sign of an infection.

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