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

Newborns can have very different types of poop, and it can be challenging to identify if they have diarrhea. Newborns can have a bowel movement in every diaper change, and it is common for them to have several poopy diapers a day. The texture and consistency of baby poop can vary from incredibly soft to cottage cheese-like or as firm as playdough. It can be runny, soft, thick like paste, or more formed, and the colour can range from yellow to tan, brown, or green.

Diarrhea in newborns can be identified by its high volume, extreme watery look, and colour

Diarrhea in newborns

Diarrhea is a common issue for newborns and young infants. It can be challenging to distinguish between regular bowel movements and diarrhea, as the texture and consistency of baby poop vary. However, diarrhea in newborns can be identified by certain key characteristics:

High volume

Newborns with diarrhea will pass a higher volume of stools than usual. They may have two to three more bowel movements than normal, and the stools are typically larger in size. This increase in frequency and volume is a tell-tale sign of diarrhea.

Extreme watery look

The most distinctive feature of diarrhea is its watery consistency. Diarrhea will be almost translucent and resemble water more than solid poop. It may also have a mustard seed-like consistency and a yellow, green, or dark brown colour.

Colour

The colour of diarrhea in newborns can vary. It is typically yellow, but it can also be green or dark brown. The presence of mucus or blood in the stool is also an indication of diarrhea and may require medical attention.

In addition to these visual cues, behavioural changes such as agitation, fussiness, and refusal to feed can also indicate that your newborn has diarrhea. If you suspect your baby has diarrhea, it is important to monitor their fluid intake and watch for signs of dehydration, as this can be a serious complication.

Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungal organisms, and parasites

Diarrhea is a common condition that can be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea is defined as lasting less than two weeks, while chronic diarrhea persists for more than a month. Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungal organisms, and parasites, leading to an increase in watery or loose stools. Here are some specific causes within these categories:

Viruses

Viral infections are the most common cause of acute diarrhea. Some common viral pathogens include norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. Rotavirus is particularly known to cause infections in the intestines.

Bacteria

Bacterial infections are a less common cause of diarrhea but can result in more severe forms, such as dysentery, which is associated with blood and mucus in the stool. Some of the most frequently identified bacterial organisms causing diarrhea include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Clostridium spp.

Foodborne illnesses are a significant source of bacterial diarrhea, with contaminated foods such as undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, raw or untreated milk, eggs, and cheeses posing a high risk.

Fungal Organisms

While not as commonly discussed, fungal infections can also lead to diarrhea. Candida albicans, for example, is a fungus that can cause diarrhea, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Parasites

Parasitic infections are another cause of diarrhea and are more likely to affect young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Giardia, Entamoeba, Cryptosporidium, and Isospora are examples of parasites that can result in chronic diarrhea.

It is important to note that diarrhea can also be caused by factors unrelated to these pathogens, such as dietary changes, medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions.

Diarrhea can be caused by changes in diet, such as dairy products, eggs, gluten, peanuts, and shellfish

Diarrhea can be a common issue for newborns, and in many cases, it is entirely normal and not a cause for concern. However, in some instances, it can be caused by changes in diet or specific food intolerances.

One common dietary trigger of diarrhea is dairy products. Dairy is a broad category, and some people may find that only specific dairy products cause an issue. For example, milk and milk-based protein drinks are often associated with diarrhea. This is because some people have a lactose intolerance, meaning their body does not have the enzymes to break down certain sugars in dairy products. As a result, the body quickly disposes of these sugars, often in the form of diarrhea.

Another food group that can cause diarrhea is eggs. People with an egg intolerance may experience digestive problems and discomfort, such as bloating, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, after consuming eggs. It is important to note that egg intolerance is different from an egg allergy, which involves the immune system and can be severe and life-threatening.

Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, is another common dietary trigger of diarrhea. Gluten-related disorders include celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy, all of which can lead to diarrhea. Celiac disease is the most severe form, affecting about 1% of the population, and can cause significant digestive discomfort, frequent diarrhea, and constipation. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is milder, affecting 0.5-13% of people, and can also result in diarrhea and constipation.

Lastly, peanuts and shellfish are known to cause diarrhea in some individuals. While not as common as the previously mentioned triggers, these foods can cause digestive issues, especially in those with allergies or intolerances.

If you suspect that your newborn's diarrhea is caused by dietary changes or specific food intolerances, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.

Diarrhea can be caused by medications, such as antibiotics

It's important to note that newborn poop varies greatly and can be different depending on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. Newborns, especially those who are breastfed, normally have soft, squishy poops and can sometimes poop several times a day. This can make it difficult to determine if they have diarrhea.

Diarrhea is typically characterised by very runny or larger stools that are more frequent than usual. It's important to monitor your baby's bowel movements to identify any significant changes.

Now, to address your query about medications, yes, certain medications can indeed cause diarrhea. Antibiotics are one such class of drugs that are known to commonly cause this side effect. This is believed to occur because antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria in the gut that aid in digestion, disrupting the balance of bacteria in the intestines. This imbalance can lead to an overgrowth of other bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, resulting in severe, watery, and sometimes bloody diarrhea.

It's not just antibiotics that can cause diarrhea; several other medications have also been linked to this side effect. These include:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium).
• Drugs used to treat depression and mood disorders, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).
• Chemotherapy medications for cancer, which can interfere with food breakdown and small intestine function.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain and arthritis, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Metformin, a prescription drug for type 2 diabetes.
• Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare), which is used to treat gout.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, prescribed for high blood pressure.
• Bisphosphonates, used for osteoporosis.
• Magnesium supplements.

If you notice that your baby is experiencing diarrhea after starting any new medication, it's important to consult your healthcare provider. They may advise adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication to alleviate the diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be dangerous for newborns as it can lead to dehydration and weight loss

Diarrhea in newborns

Newborn babies normally have soft, squishy poops, especially if they are breastfed. They also tend to poop a lot – sometimes several times a day. So it can be hard to know if they have diarrhea or not. However, if your infant has stools that are very runny or larger in size – maybe even leaking out of their diaper – and are more frequent than usual, then they have diarrhea.

Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of germs, but it can also be dangerous for newborns as it can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Dehydration occurs when the body has lost too much fluid, which can happen with frequent, watery stools. This can be especially risky for newborns because they are so small and have a higher percentage of total body water than adults.

The signs of dehydration include:

• Decreased urine output (no urine in more than 8 hours)
• Dry tongue and mouth
• Dry eyes with decreased or absent tears
• In babies, a depressed or sunken soft spot on the head
• Irritability or fussiness
• Weight loss of more than 3%

If you notice any of these signs in your newborn, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Dehydration can be life-threatening if left untreated.

To prevent dehydration, it is important to keep your newborn well-hydrated. Continue breastfeeding or formula-feeding as usual, and offer extra fluids if needed. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte can be helpful, but always check with your doctor before giving anything new to your baby.

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