Explosive Poop In Newborns: What's Normal And What's Not?

Newborns can have very different bowel habits, and it's not uncommon for new parents to be concerned about their baby's poop. In fact, it's normal for babies to have explosive poops, and it's usually nothing to worry about. Breastfed babies, in particular, tend to have looser stools than bottle-fed babies, and their poop is typically runny, mustard yellow in colour, and may have a curd-like appearance. While it can be quite a shock for new parents, it's often a typical part of a baby's development.

Frequency of newborn poop

The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements can vary, and it is important to monitor their diapers as it can indicate their overall health. In the first few days after birth, newborns pass meconium, a black, sticky, and tar-like substance. After about three days, their bowel movements turn into a lighter, runnier stool, which may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour.

Breastfed Newborns

Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, and their poop will usually be mustard-like in colour and consistency. It can sometimes be loose, watery, seedy, mushy, or curdy. In the first month, breastfed babies tend to poop after every feeding, but this usually slows down after one month. By six weeks old, breastfed babies may skip a day or more between bowel movements, but some will continue to poop several times a day throughout the first year.

Formula-Fed Newborns

Formula-fed newborns may have fewer bowel movements than breastfed babies, and their poop will usually be softer but more formed. It will typically be anywhere from pale yellow to yellowish brown, light brown, or brownish green. Formula-fed babies typically poop three to four times a day, but some may go as long as three or four days without a bowel movement.

After Starting Solids

After starting solids, newborns may only poop every few days, and the colour of their poop will change as their diet changes.

When to Call the Doctor

If your newborn hasn't pooped in three or four days, or if they show signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, tongue, or lips, you should call your doctor. Other signs to look out for include red or black poop, which could indicate bleeding, and white or grey poop, which could signal a liver problem.

Colour of newborn poop

The colour of your newborn's poop can vary depending on how they are being fed.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies' poop in the first few months may be a mustard yellow colour with a slightly runny consistency and possibly with white, seed-like fat particles. The presence of a little mucus in the poop is also normal. The colour of your baby's poop may change depending on what you eat. For example, if you eat green vegetables like spinach, you might see a green tint in the contents of your little one's diapers.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies' poop is usually firmer and bigger than that of breastfed babies, with a darker yellow or tan colour and a paste-like consistency.

Mixed Diets

If your baby is on a mixed diet of breast milk and formula, their poop won't usually be as runny as that of a solely breastfed baby. It will have a more paste-like consistency and a darker yellow or tan colour.

Weaning Stage

When you start introducing solid foods to your baby, you'll start to see some major changes in the contents of their diapers. Their stools will get firmer, and the colour will vary more widely, too. If your child is eating finger foods, you might see undigested bits of food like the skins of peas or tomatoes.

Colours to Watch Out For

While most colours of baby poop are normal, there are a few shades that could indicate a possible health issue.

• White or clay-coloured stools are very rare but could be a sign of a liver condition that needs treatment.
• Black stools could be caused by blood in the digestive tract, which may have turned dark as it travelled through the intestines. However, very dark green poop can sometimes appear black, and meconium can also look black, which is not a problem.
• Red streaks in the stool could be a sign of an allergy or infection, or could be caused by certain medications, or foods like beets.
• Green poop is usually harmless but could indicate a lactose overload if your baby is getting too much foremilk.

Texture of newborn poop

The Texture of Newborn Poop

The texture of newborn poop varies depending on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed baby poop tends to be softer, more liquid, and runnier than formula-fed babies' poop. It can range from mushy, seedy, watery, curdy, creamy, pasty, or lumpy. On the other hand, formula-fed baby poop is usually thicker, pasty, and more peanut butter-like in consistency.

Breastfed Baby Poop Texture

Breastfed babies' poop is often described as mushy, seedy, and sometimes watery. It may have a mustard-like appearance, with a yellow, green, or light brown colour. The texture can also be curdy, creamy, pasty, or lumpy. This type of poop typically has a slightly sweet smell.

Formula-Fed Baby Poop Texture

Formula-fed babies' poop tends to be thicker and more fully formed. It usually has a peanut butter-like consistency and can range in colour from pale yellow to tan-brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge. The smell of formula-fed baby poop is more pungent than that of breastfed babies.

Transitional Stools

After the initial meconium passes (the first few black, tarry, and sticky stools), you'll start to see transitional stools, which are lighter in colour and looser in texture. These stools indicate that the baby is starting to digest breast milk or formula.

Diarrhea

Watery, loose stools that are greener than usual and occur several times a day may indicate diarrhea. This can be caused by changes in the baby's diet, allergies, food intolerances, or more serious issues like viral or bacterial infections. It is important to keep the baby hydrated and seek medical advice if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration.

Constipation

Hard, dry, and pellet-like poop can be a sign of constipation. It is important to consult a pediatrician if the baby is showing signs of discomfort or if constipation persists. Do not use any at-home remedies without medical advice.

Impact of Solid Foods

Once solid foods are introduced, the baby's poop will change in colour and texture. It will become thicker, darker, and smellier. The consistency may vary depending on what the baby has eaten, and it may reflect the colour of the food consumed.

Consistency of newborn poop

The consistency of newborn poop varies depending on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies tend to have looser, more liquid, and runny stools than formula-fed babies. The appearance can be yellow, green, or brown, with a curd-like texture. It is common for breastfed babies to have explosive or watery stools, which may be a sign of diarrhoea if it is more frequent than usual.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed infants tend to have firmer stools that are darker brown in colour and smell more like adult faeces. Their poop is usually pasty and less runny than that of breastfed babies.

Meconium

The first bowel movement of a newborn is called meconium, which is a sticky, tar-like, and hard-to-remove substance composed of amniotic fluid and mucus swallowed in the womb. It is typically thick, black, and has a tarry appearance. After a few days, meconium will be replaced by yellow, green, or brown poop.

Changes in Consistency

Changes in the consistency of newborn poop can be influenced by various factors, including dietary changes, medication, and gastrointestinal issues. For example, fortified breast milk or medication can alter the consistency of a baby's poop. Additionally, gastrointestinal conditions, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or cow's milk protein intolerance, can affect the consistency and frequency of bowel movements.

Signs of Concern

While changes in stool consistency are normal, there are a few signs that may indicate a problem. If a baby has very loose or watery stools for three or more diapers, it could lead to dehydration. Hard, pellet-like stools may be a sign of constipation. White, light grey, red, or black poop can also be indicators of potential health issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What to do about explosive newborn poop

It is normal for newborns to have explosive poop, especially if they are breastfed. This is because breastfed babies tend to have looser poop than bottle-fed babies. The frequency of their bowel movements can also vary, so don't be alarmed if they are pooping after every feed or less often than once per day.

However, if the explosive poop is also watery, this could be a sign of diarrhoea, especially if your baby is pooping more than usual. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so if it doesn't clear up within 24 hours, contact your GP or health visitor.

If your baby is formula-fed and has explosive, watery stools, this could be due to their diet. Formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation, so make sure they are getting enough fluids and fibre. You can also try giving them a gentle massage to help stimulate their bowels.

In general, it is important to pay attention to the colour, quantity, texture and smell of your baby's poop, as this can give you insight into their health. For example, white or light grey baby poop could indicate a liver condition, while red or black poop could mean there is blood in it. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Frequently asked questions