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

Newborns tend to have their first bowel movement, known as meconium, within 36 hours of birth. Meconium is a tar-like substance that can be dark green or greenish-black and is hard to wipe off your baby's bottom. After the first few days, your baby's poop will become softer and lighter in colour.

The texture of your newborn's poop will depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to have looser, seedy, and grainy poop, while formula-fed babies have thicker, toothpaste or hummus-like poop.

If your newborn's poop is thick, it could be due to a variety of reasons such as a tight anal ring, efficient nutrient absorption, or a supply issue. It is best to consult your paediatrician or a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your newborn's poop consistency or frequency.

Thick poop in newborns is usually a result of a tight anal ring and is not a cause for concern

Thick Poop in Newborns

Meconium is the name given to a newborn's first poop. It is a tar-like substance that is dark green or greenish-black in colour and can be difficult to wipe off the baby's bottom. It is made up of materials ingested in utero, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, and skin cells. Meconium will pass within 36 hours of birth, after which the baby's poop will become softer and lighter in colour.

Breastfed vs Formula-Fed Babies

Breastfed babies tend to have pasty and seedy poop, with a mushy or creamy consistency. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, have thicker poop with a consistency similar to toothpaste or hummus. The colour of their poop also varies, with breastfed babies having mustard yellow, green, or brown poop, while formula-fed babies have yellow-brown, tan-brown, or green-brown poop.

Frequency of Bowel Movements

The frequency of bowel movements can vary widely among newborns, with some having one or more bowel movements per day, while others may go a week without pooping. Breastfed newborns often poop after every feeding, but this slows down after a few weeks. Formula-fed babies can also have multiple bowel movements per day or go several days between bowel movements.

Thick Poop and Allergies

Thick poop in newborns is usually not a cause for concern, but it can sometimes indicate an allergy or intolerance. If your baby is straining to pass thick poop and appears uncomfortable, it could be a sign of a food allergy or intolerance. In such cases, it is best to consult your paediatrician or a lactation consultant.

When to See a Doctor

While thick poop is usually not a cause for alarm, there are some instances when you should seek medical advice. If your baby is showing signs of discomfort, such as grunting, turning red, or crying while passing stool, it is best to consult a doctor. Additionally, if your baby is not gaining weight, has a fever, or shows signs of dehydration, it is important to seek medical attention.

Newborns with thick poop may be using all the nutrients from the milk efficiently, leaving behind a small amount of thick stool

The consistency of a newborn's poop varies depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to have looser and runnier stools, while formula-fed babies have thicker and more toothpaste-like or hummus-like stools.

Breastfed babies usually have one to eight bowel movements a day, with an average of four. However, some healthy breastfed babies may only have a bowel movement every seven to ten days, depending on their digestive system. On the other hand, formula-fed babies average two stools a day but could have many more.

The colour of a newborn's poop can also vary. While most newborn poop is mustardy yellow or yellowish-brown, it may also be brown or green. Green poop is common in newborns and babies and can be caused by various factors such as the contents of certain formulas, the baby's diet, or the rapid passage of stool through the baby's body.

If your newborn has thick poop, it is important to monitor their overall health and well-being. If they are feeding well, gaining weight, and producing several wet diapers a day, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if your newborn appears extremely uncomfortable, is vomiting, or has a distended belly, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Thick poop in newborns can be a sign of an allergy or intolerance to something in the mother's diet, such as dairy

Breastfed babies typically have softer, more frequent stools than formula-fed babies due to the high fat content and easy digestibility of breast milk. However, it is not uncommon for breastfed newborns to have thicker stools, especially if they are not getting enough of the fatty hindmilk. This can happen if the baby is not nursing long enough at each feeding or is switching breasts too frequently. In this case, the baby may also exhibit other symptoms such as fussiness and gas.

If your newborn's thick poop is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, excessive crying, diaper rash, or blood in the stool, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. These could be signs of an allergy, intolerance, or other digestive issue. Thick poop can also be a sign of constipation, especially if your newborn is straining or appearing uncomfortable during bowel movements. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend dietary changes, such as increasing fibre or water intake, or switching to a different formula.

It is important to note that the consistency of a newborn's poop can vary widely and is not always a cause for concern. Some healthy breastfed babies have thick, peanut butter-like stools, while others have looser, seedy stools. As long as your newborn is feeding well, gaining weight, and producing several wet diapers a day, there is usually no need to worry. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's poop or notice any other changes in their behaviour or health, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

Thick poop can be related to oversupply or forceful letdown, leading to an imbalance between foremilk and hindmilk

Thick poop in newborns can be related to a foremilk-hindmilk imbalance, which occurs when a newborn receives an abundance of foremilk and not enough hindmilk. Breast milk changes consistency throughout a feeding, with foremilk being low in fat and calories, and hindmilk being thicker and higher in fat content.

A forceful letdown or oversupply can lead to a foremilk-hindmilk imbalance, resulting in thick poop. This is because the baby receives a large amount of foremilk at the beginning of the feeding and may not get to the hindmilk.

• Refrain from switching breasts frequently during a feeding. Allow the baby to fully drain one breast before offering the other.
• Feed the baby before they become excessively hungry to prevent aggressive sucking, which can lead to an oversupply.
• Try different feeding positions, such as the side-lying position.
• Express a small amount of milk before feeding to reduce the forceful letdown.
• Consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby's feeding or weight gain.

It is important to note that thick poop can also be influenced by other factors such as diet, medication, or an underlying medical condition. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended if you have concerns about your newborn's poop consistency or health.

In rare cases, thick poop in newborns may indicate constipation or a more serious issue, such as a liver problem

Thick poop in newborns is usually nothing to worry about. However, in rare cases, it may indicate constipation or a more serious issue, such as a liver problem.

Constipation

If your newborn is straining to pass thick stools and appears to be in pain, they may be constipated. This is more likely if the thick poop is accompanied by hard, dry stools that resemble rabbit droppings. Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, dehydration, or an underlying medical condition. It is important to consult your paediatrician if you suspect your newborn is constipated, as they can recommend appropriate treatments or dietary changes.

Liver Problems

Thick poop in newborns can sometimes indicate a liver problem, such as biliary atresia or cystic fibrosis. This is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Chalky white or grey poop, also known as acholic stool, may be a sign of this. If your newborn's poop is consistently pale or clay-coloured, contact your paediatrician right away.

While thick poop in newborns is usually harmless, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. They can assess your newborn's overall health and determine if any further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

Frequently asked questions