Newborn Pooping Every Hour: Is This Normal?

It is normal for a newborn to poop every hour, but it's important to monitor their diapers as they can provide insights into their health and whether they are consuming enough milk. The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements varies, and can depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, while formula-fed newborns may have fewer.

Is it normal for a newborn to poop after every feed?

It's perfectly normal for a newborn to poop after every feed. In fact, it's normal for a newborn to poop anywhere from once every feed to once every few days.

Poop frequency varies from baby to baby, just as it does for adults. Some newborns poop every time they eat, while others only poop every few days. How often a newborn poops may also depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Typically, breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed ones.

A newborn's first poop is called meconium, and it usually happens within the first 24 hours of life. Meconium is a black, sticky, tar-like substance that has gradually filled the baby's intestines during their time in the uterus. After about three days, newborn bowel movements turn into a lighter, runnier stool, which may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour.

For breastfed babies, constipation is rare, but fewer than one poop a day in the early weeks could mean your baby isn't getting enough to eat. If your baby hasn't pooped for more than three days in a row, call your doctor. Formula-fed babies typically go a little longer between bowel movements, but check in with the doctor if they don't poop for more than five days, as this could be a sign of constipation.

The colour of newborn poop can change quite often, but some colours may indicate a problem. Healthy poop is usually light yellow, brown, or greenish. If you see red blood in your newborn's stool, call a doctor. White or grey stools could indicate that your baby isn't digesting food properly, and black stools after the first few days of life can be a sign of internal bleeding.

What does a newborn's first poop look like?

A newborn's first poop, called meconium, is typically thick, sticky, and tar-like with a greenish-black or black colour. It is made up of water, cells, hair, mucus, and other materials ingested in utero. Meconium is odourless and does not resemble regular stool. It is considered normal for a newborn to pass meconium shortly after birth, or even before birth while still in the uterus.

After the initial meconium stage, a newborn's poop will transition to a regular stool, which is typically yellow or yellowish-green and has a softer consistency. This transition usually occurs within the first few days as the baby starts to digest breast milk or formula. The texture of breastfed babies' poop tends to be seed-like, whereas formula-fed babies' poop is thicker and more pasty.

It is important to monitor the colour and consistency of a newborn's poop as it can provide insights into their health. While variations of brown, yellow, and green are considered normal, certain colours may indicate potential issues. For example, white or pale-coloured poop can be a sign of a liver condition or a blockage in the bile ducts. Additionally, blood in the stool may be indicative of allergies, tears in the anus, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

How often should a newborn poop?

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements varies and can be influenced by factors such as their age, diet, and whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. On average, newborns tend to poop between two and five times per day during the first six weeks of life. However, it is not uncommon for newborns to poop more frequently, even after every feeding, or to go several days without pooping.

Factors Affecting Newborn Poop Frequency

Age

During the first six weeks of life, newborns typically have more frequent bowel movements, ranging from two to five times per day. After this initial period, the frequency of pooping usually decreases. Between six weeks and three months of age, it is common for babies to poop only once a day or even once a week.

Diet

The type of food a baby consumes also affects their poop frequency. Breastfed newborns tend to poop more often than formula-fed newborns. Breastfed babies may have several bowel movements each day, while formula-fed babies may have fewer. Additionally, the introduction of solid foods can lead to an increase in the number of bowel movements.

Health

Monitoring a newborn's poop frequency is important as it can provide insights into their overall health and nutrition. A sudden change in poop frequency or the presence of unusual colours or consistency may indicate a health problem.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While it is normal for newborn poop frequency to vary, there are some instances where it is advisable to seek medical advice. If a newborn has not had a bowel movement in more than three days, it could be a sign of constipation. Additionally, if the stool is hard and pebbly, or if there are signs of dehydration, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

In terms of stool colour, red or black stools could indicate bleeding, while white or clay-coloured stools could be a sign of a liver problem. Green streaks in the stool may suggest an infection, and grey or white stools could indicate improper digestion. If any of these colours are observed, it is important to contact a healthcare professional.

What should I do if my newborn isn't pooping?

It's normal for a newborn's pooping frequency to vary. Some newborns poop every time they eat, while others only poop every few days. Breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies, as they are getting more liquid.

If your newborn is not pooping, it's important to first consider their age and diet. Newborns under six weeks old who are not pooping at all should see a doctor immediately. This could be a sign of an underlying health issue. For babies over six weeks old, it's normal for them to occasionally be constipated, and they may not need to poop as their body is using all the nutrition they are taking in. If your baby over six weeks old has not had a bowel movement for a week or more, or is constipated with hard stools more than once or twice, you should call your doctor.

If your baby is not pooping, but is passing gas, this is usually not a cause for concern. Their body is still getting used to digestion, and they are likely not yet constipated. However, if your baby seems to be in pain due to gas, discuss it with your doctor.

If your baby is not pooping, there are some home remedies you can try with your doctor's permission:

• Liquids: If your baby is over six months old, give them a few ounces of water.
• Food: If your baby is eating solids, give them fibre-rich foods like puréed prunes, sweet potatoes, or fruits to help pass the stool.
• Exercise: Move your baby's legs in a bicycle motion to help stimulate their digestion. You can also try holding your baby up so they are "walking" in your lap.
• Massage and a warm bath: Try massaging your baby's stomach and body to help them relax and get their digestion moving. A warm bath can also help them relax.

If your baby is not pooping and you are concerned, always consult your doctor or pediatrician. They can advise you on the best course of action and help rule out any potential health issues.

What colour should a newborn's poop be?

The colour of a newborn's poop can vary depending on their diet and whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Here is a guide to the different colours of newborn poop and what they might indicate:

Meconium

Meconium is a newborn's first poop, which is typically passed within the first 24 hours of life. It is usually black and tar-like in appearance, sometimes described as thick and sticky. This is completely normal and is composed of materials ingested by the baby while in the uterus.

Transitional Stools

After the initial meconium, a newborn's poop will transition to a regular stool, which is typically yellow or green and has a more liquid consistency. This is common for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. Breastfed babies' poop may have a seed-like texture and is generally soft.

After Starting Solids

Once a baby starts eating solid foods, their poop colour may change again. It is common to see light brown, greenish, or yellow-green stools. Small pieces of food may also be visible in the stool.

Unusual Colours

While most poop colours are normal, there are a few colours that may indicate a problem:

• Red: Seeing red in a newborn's stool is typically a cause for concern and could indicate bleeding. However, newborn girls may experience a "mini period" due to hormones from the delivering parent, which may appear as a few spots of blood or mucus.
• White: White or pale grey poop could be a sign of a liver condition and indicates that the baby is not digesting food properly.
• Black: After the initial meconium, black poop could be a sign of internal bleeding.
• Bright Green: Consistently bright green or neon green stool may be due to a breast milk imbalance, sensitivity to something in the mother's diet, or a viral infection.

In summary, a newborn's poop colour can vary from yellow to brown to green, depending on their diet and feeding method. Unusual colours like red, white, black, or bright green may indicate a potential health issue and should be monitored and discussed with a paediatrician.

Frequently asked questions