The First Poop: Newborn's First Bowel Movement Explained

when do newborns poop for the first time

Newborns typically pass their first stool, known as meconium, within the first 24 hours of life. Meconium is a sticky, tar-like substance that is usually black or greenish-black in colour. Hospitals generally won't discharge a newborn until they have passed meconium, as it indicates that the baby's bowels are functioning properly. After the initial meconium stool, a newborn's bowel movements will transition to a lighter, more liquid consistency, typically in shades of yellow, brown or green. The frequency of newborn pooping varies, with some newborns eliminating waste every time they eat, and others only going every few days. Breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed babies, and their stool often has a seed-like texture and a mustard-like colour and consistency.

Characteristics Values
First poop Meconium (thick, black, tarry-looking)
First poop timing Within the first 24 hours
Second poop timing After 24 hours, when all meconium has passed
Second poop Transitional stools (dark, greenish-yellow, loose, sometimes seedy)
Third poop Regular stool (yellow, softer and more liquid)
Third poop timing Within the first few days
Poop frequency Varies by baby; some newborns poop every time they eat, others every few days
Breastfed baby poop frequency Several bowel movements each day
Formula-fed baby poop frequency Fewer bowel movements each day
Poop colour Varying shades of brown, yellow and green
Poop colour after starting solids May change again
Poop consistency May be seedy, loose, pasty, soft, watery, hard, pellet-like, etc.

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Newborns' first poop: meconium

Meconium is the name given to a newborn baby's first poop. It is a sticky, tar-like substance that gradually fills a baby's intestines while in the uterus. It is usually black, but can also be greenish-black in colour.

Meconium is typically passed within the first 24 hours of a baby's life. In fact, hospitals generally won't discharge a baby until they have passed meconium. After the first 24 hours, and once all the meconium has passed, a baby's poop will transition to what is known as transitional stools. These are dark, greenish-yellow and loose, sometimes seedy, in texture.

Meconium is completely normal and healthy, and is a good sign that a newborn's bowels are functioning as they should be.

After three or four days of transitional stools, the type of food a baby is eating will determine the colour and consistency of their poop. For breastfed babies, this will often be mustard-like in colour and consistency, sometimes seedy, mushy or curdy. Formula-fed babies' poop is usually softer but more formed, and can be anywhere from pale yellow to light brown or brownish-green in colour.

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Frequency of newborn poop

The frequency of a newborn's poop 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. In the first few days, newborns transition to regular stool, which is generally yellow. The colour is similar for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, but breastfed babies tend to have a seed-like texture. This stool is generally soft and almost liquid.

Breastfed newborns typically have several bowel movements each day, while formula-fed newborns may have fewer. On average, a newborn will have at least one poopy diaper for every day of their life during their first five days. After this, the average breastfed newborn will have about five dirty diapers a day, though anywhere from several per day to one every two to three days is considered normal. Formula-fed babies typically poop three to four times a day, but some go as long as three or four days without a bowel movement.

After the first month, a baby may only pass stool every other day. As long as the stools are soft and passed without a struggle, there is no need for concern. However, if a baby goes more than three days without pooping, it could be a sign of constipation.

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Colours of newborn poop

The colour of a newborn's poop can be a good indicator of their health. Newborns generally poop frequently, sometimes after every feed. The colour of their poop can vary from black to yellow, orange, green, red, white, or brown.

Meconium

The first poop of a newborn is called meconium, which is a thick, tar-like, sticky substance that is usually black or greenish-black in colour. It is made up of cells, amniotic fluid, bile, and mucus that the baby ingested while in the womb. Meconium is sterile and has little to no smell. It is passed in the first 24 hours of life and may continue to be passed over the next few days, gradually changing from black to dark green, then yellow.

Transitional Stools

After the first few days, when all the meconium has passed, the stools are referred to as transitional. They are dark, greenish-yellow, and loose, sometimes with a seedy texture, particularly in breastfed infants. These stools may occasionally contain mucus or traces of blood, likely from the baby swallowing blood during delivery.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies tend to have mustard-like yellow or slightly green poop with a mushy or creamy consistency. It may be runny and resemble diarrhoea, but this is not necessarily a cause for concern. The poop may be dotted with little seed-like flecks and have a slightly sweet smell.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies typically have thick, pasty, peanut butter-like poop ranging from tan-brown to yellow-brown or greenish-brown in colour. It is firmer than breastfed baby poop and has a stronger smell.

Solid Foods

Once solid foods are introduced, the poop becomes thicker, browner, and smellier. The consistency may vary depending on what the baby has eaten, ranging from hard and pebble-like to runny and mustard-like.

Colours to Watch Out For

While a wide range of colours is considered normal, some colours may indicate potential health issues:

  • Red: Red poop could be due to red food or medication, but it could also indicate the presence of blood, which may be a sign of allergies or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • White: White or pale-coloured poop could signal a problem with the liver or stomach enzymes.
  • Black: Black poop in babies older than one week could be a sign of bleeding in the digestive system.

If you notice any concerning colours or textures in your newborn's poop, it is always best to consult your paediatrician for advice.

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Consistency of newborn poop

The consistency of a newborn's first poop, known as meconium, is usually thick, black, and tarry. This is completely normal and is a good sign that the baby's bowels are functioning as they should. Meconium is a sticky, tar-like substance that gradually fills a baby's intestines while in the uterus and is typically passed within the first 24 hours of life.

After the initial meconium, a newborn's poop will transition to what is known as transitional stools, which are typically dark, greenish-yellow, and loose, sometimes with a seedy texture, particularly in breastfed infants. These stools may also contain mucus or traces of blood, which is usually the result of the baby swallowing blood during delivery.

The consistency of a newborn's poop will depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to have looser, runnier, and more liquid stools that are often mustard-like in colour and texture. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to have softer but more formed stools that are anywhere from pale yellow to yellowish-brown, light brown, or brownish-green. Their stools may be firmer and more paste-like but should not be harder than the consistency of peanut butter.

As a newborn's diet changes and they start eating solids, the consistency of their poop will also change. Small pieces of food may be visible in their stool, and the number of bowel movements per day may also alter.

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When to call the doctor

While it is normal for newborn babies to have a wide variety of poop colours and textures, there are some instances where you should call your doctor.

No Poop for Several Days

If your baby hasn't pooped in four days, you should call your doctor. This could be a sign of constipation. Formula-fed babies typically go a little longer between bowel movements, but you should still check in with the doctor if they don't poop for more than five days.

Hard, Pebbly, or Thick Stools

If your baby's stools are hard and pebbly, or thicker than peanut butter, this could be a sign of constipation. Call your doctor if you notice this type of stool, especially if your baby seems to be straining or working hard to poop.

Watery Stools or Diarrhea

If your baby's stools are thin, watery, or contain mucus, this could be a sign of diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and make your baby uncomfortable, so it's important to call your doctor if you notice these types of stools.

Bloody or Maroon Stools

If you see blood or maroon-coloured stools in your baby's diaper, this could indicate bleeding and is a cause for concern. Call your doctor right away if you notice any blood in your baby's stool.

Black Stools After Passing Meconium

Meconium is the black, sticky, tar-like substance that newborns pass in the first few days after birth. If your baby continues to have black stools after passing meconium (usually after the first four days of life), this could indicate bleeding in the digestive tract. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice black stools after the initial meconium has passed.

White, Clay-Coloured, or Grey Stools

White, clay-coloured, or grey stools in newborns can indicate a problem with their stomach enzymes or a liver condition. It's important to call your doctor right away if you notice these stool colours, as they could be a sign of a more serious issue.

Frequently asked questions

Newborns usually have their first poop, called meconium, within the first 24 hours of their life.

Meconium is typically black and tar-like in appearance, sometimes described as thick and sticky.

Yes, it is normal for a newborn to poop after every feeding. This is a good sign that they are getting enough milk.

There is no definitive answer as it varies from baby to baby. Some newborns may poop every time they eat, while others may only poop every few days.

It is normal for newborns to go a few days without pooping. However, if your newborn hasn't pooped in more than three to five days, contact your pediatrician as it could be a sign of constipation.

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