Newborn Poop: What's Normal And What's Not?

Newborns can poop a lot—up to 12 times in 24 hours—but how much is too much? Well, it depends. The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements varies from baby to baby, and can also depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies, and their poop is usually runnier. However, as long as your baby is happy, gaining weight, and producing soft stools, the number of bowel movements is likely normal. If you're concerned about your newborn's poop frequency, or if they haven't pooped in four days, contact your pediatrician.

Breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements varies, and it is not unusual for a baby to poop as often as every feeding or as infrequently as every two to three days. Neither of these situations is cause for alarm. However, breastfed infants tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed infants.

Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, and their stool may be seedy, loose, and mustard-coloured. This looser, runnier stool is a sign that the baby is absorbing the solids in the breast milk. As long as the baby is only consuming breast milk, the stool may also have a sweeter smell.

Formula-fed newborns may have fewer bowel movements, and their stool is usually firmer and more paste-like. The consistency is often compared to peanut butter. Formula-fed babies' poop is typically browner, and it may smell a bit more than that of breastfed babies.

It is important to monitor a newborn's diapers, as they can provide insights into the baby's health and whether they are consuming enough milk. If a breastfed baby is not passing stool, it could be a sign that they are not eating enough. In this case, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant.

If you switch between breastfeeding and formula-feeding, or vice versa, expect changes in your newborn's stool consistency and frequency.

Meconium is a newborn's first stool

The number of times a newborn poops can vary, so don't be alarmed if your baby is pooping frequently or infrequently. Breastfed newborns tend to poop more often than formula-fed newborns. However, if your baby hasn't pooped in four days, you should call your pediatrician as this could be a sign of constipation.

Now, let's focus on meconium, a newborn's first stool:

Meconium is a newborn's first poop, and it is typically passed in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. It is a sticky, thick, and dark substance, often resembling tar or sludge. It is made up of water, cells, hair, mucus, and other materials that the baby has swallowed in the uterus, such as amniotic fluid. While swallowing meconium is safe, inhaling it can cause serious respiratory problems, known as Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). MAS can lead to respiratory distress, infection, or other severe conditions.

Meconium is darker and thicker than typical baby poop, and it doesn't have a smell. It is important for babies to pass meconium as it indicates that their digestive system and intestines are functioning properly. If a baby doesn't pass meconium within 48 hours, it could be a sign of intestinal blockage, an underdeveloped rectum, or Hirschsprung disease.

After passing meconium, a newborn's poop will transition to a lighter, runnier stool, usually within the first few days. The color may vary depending on the baby's diet, with breastfed babies having a green-yellow palette and formula-fed babies having lighter shades of yellow, green, or brown.

Baby poop colour meaning

The colour of a baby's poop can vary depending on their age, diet, and health. Here's a guide to help you understand the different colours and what they might indicate:

Black Poop

In newborns younger than 1 week, black poop is considered healthy and is known as meconium. Meconium is the first stool passed by a baby, usually within the first 24 hours of life, and it consists of amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and other substances ingested in the womb. Black poop should not persist beyond the first few days. If it does, it could indicate bleeding in the digestive system, and you should seek medical advice.

Greenish-Black or Dark Green Poop

This colour is also typical for meconium, which transitions from black to dark green and then yellow over the first few days of life. Dark green poop may be caused by bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids digestion. However, ensure that it is not black, as that could be a cause for concern.

Mustard Yellow or Dark Yellow Poop

Mustard yellow poop is common in breastfed babies and is often described as "seedy." This colour is due to small flecks in the stool, which are harmless. Formula-fed babies may also have light brown or orange poop, slightly darker and firmer than breastfed babies' stools.

Green Poop

Green poop is common in babies and can have various causes, including slow digestion, green foods in the diet of the 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.

Red Poop

Red poop is typically a cause for concern and often indicates the presence of blood in the stool. However, it may also be due to red food or medicine consumed by the baby. If you see blood in the stool, contact your doctor, as it could signal allergies or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

White or Light Grey Poop

White or light grey poop is uncommon and often indicates a problem with digestion or liver function. It could signal a liver condition or an inability to digest food properly. Contact your doctor if you notice this colour in your baby's poop.

Orange, Yellow, or Brown Poop

A variety of shades, including orange, yellow, and brown, are typical for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. These colours are considered normal, and slight variations are usually due to differences in intestinal lining or milk digestion.

Chalky White or Grey Poop

White or grey poop can indicate that your baby is not digesting food properly and may suggest a lack of bile production in the liver. Contact your doctor if you observe these colours, as they may signal a more serious issue.

Summary

While it's normal for baby poop to vary in colour, certain shades may indicate potential health issues. Always trust your instincts and contact your doctor if you have any concerns. Remember that monitoring your baby's poop colour and consistency can provide valuable insights into their health and well-being.

How often a newborn poops may depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed

The number of times a newborn poops can vary, and it's important to remember that every baby is different. However, the type of feeding method—breastfeeding or formula-feeding—can play a role in the frequency and consistency of a newborn's bowel movements. Here's what you need to know about how often a newborn poops, depending on their feeding method:

Breastfed Newborns

Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, and it's not uncommon for them to poop every time they nurse. The normal stool of a breastfed baby tends to be loose, soft to runny, and may have a seedy or curdy texture. It usually falls within the green-yellow-brown colour palette and may have a mild, sour-milk smell. While it's normal for breastfed newborns to poop frequently, it's important to note that they shouldn't go more than two weeks without a bowel movement. If this happens, it could indicate an issue with the baby's gut health or the mother's gut flora.

Formula-Fed Newborns

Formula-fed newborns may have fewer bowel movements than their breastfed counterparts. Their stool is typically firmer and more paste-like, similar to the consistency of peanut butter. The colour of their poop tends to be on the brown spectrum, ranging from yellow-brown to tan-brown or green-brown. While formula-fed newborns may poop less frequently than breastfed newborns, it's important to monitor their bowel movements and ensure they're not going more than a few days without a bowel movement, as this could be a sign of constipation.

When to Be Concerned

Regardless of the feeding method, there are some general guidelines to determine if your newborn is pooping too much or too little. If your baby hasn't pooped in four days, it's a good idea to consult your paediatrician as it could indicate constipation. On the other hand, if your baby is passing watery stools in three or more diapers, it could lead to dehydration, and you should seek medical advice. Additionally, if you notice any blood in your baby's stool or black stools after the initial meconium, these could be cause for concern and require medical attention.

How to tell if your baby is constipated

It's normal for parents to worry about their newborn's health, and one common concern is constipation. While it's unlikely that your baby is constipated, it's important to know the signs and what to do if you suspect they are having trouble passing stool.

Constipation in infants occurs when they have bowel movements less frequently than normal, or when their bowel movements are hard, large, or difficult and painful to pass. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and the frequency of their bowel movements can vary. Some babies may go several times a day, while others may only go every few days. This can also depend on their feeding method, as breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed babies.

Signs of Constipation

• They are crying or seem to be in pain when having a bowel movement.
• Their stool is hard, dry, or pebble-like. It may look like small, hard pellets or a large, round ball.
• They are straining more than usual to pass a bowel movement. While it's normal for infants to strain, excessive straining or discomfort could be a sign of constipation.
• Their abdomen is bloated or swollen with gas.
• They are irritable and seem to be experiencing stomach pain. They may pull their legs up to their stomach and cry.
• There is blood in their stool.

What to Do if You Suspect Constipation

If you think your baby may be constipated, there are a few things you can try:

• If your baby is not yet eating solid foods, you can give them 1 to 2 ounces of 100% fruit juice (prune, pear, cherry, or apple) once a day. Stop giving the juice if their stools become too loose.
• If your baby is eating solid foods, offer them pureed pears, peaches, or prunes instead of juice.
• If your baby is eating cereal, try giving them oatmeal, wheat, or barley cereal. Rice cereal can sometimes cause constipation.
• Give your baby a warm bath or gently move their legs in a bicycling motion to help relax them and stimulate their bowels.
• If it has been several days without a bowel movement and dietary changes have not helped, you can try a glycerin suppository. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on proper administration.
• Contact your baby's healthcare provider before giving them any laxatives, enemas, or baby mineral oil. They may recommend medication or other treatments.

Remember, it's always best to consult your baby's healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your baby's constipation does not improve with home remedies. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your baby's needs.

Frequently asked questions