Newborn Poop: What Does Orange Tint Mean?

Newborns' poop colours can range from black to yellow, green, orange, brown, red, white, or grey. The colour of a newborn's poop can be influenced by their diet, age, and health. For instance, a newborn's poop colour can be influenced by the food their mother ate if they are being breastfed. Orange-tinted poop is likely caused by the pigments picked up in the baby's digestive tract. It can occur in both breastfed and formula-fed babies and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if orange-tinted poop is accompanied by other symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, or weakness, it is important to consult a doctor.

Diet of breastfeeding mother

The diet of a breastfeeding mother can influence the colour of her baby's poop. If the mother consumes a lot of orange foods, such as sweet potatoes, or even foods containing orange food dyes, this could result in bright orange baby poop.

Any medications or supplements taken by the mother while breastfeeding can also impact the colour of her baby's poop. For example, antibiotics may be to blame for an orange tint. However, it is important to note that while antibiotic use can cause a colour change, it more often negatively impacts a baby's gut flora, causing diarrhoea.

It is worth noting that orange baby poop is typically considered normal and is a sign that the baby's digestive system is functioning as it should.

Introduction of solid foods

The transition to solid foods is an important milestone in your baby's development and can also be a fun and exciting time for parents. Here are some things to keep in mind as you embark on this new stage of your baby's life:

Timing

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that children be introduced to solid foods when they are around six months old. Introducing solids before four months of age is not advised. Every child is unique, so it's important to look for specific signs that your baby is ready for solids. These signs include being able to sit up alone or with support, having good head and neck control, opening their mouth when food is offered, and bringing objects to their mouth.

First Foods

When starting solids, it's best to begin with single-ingredient foods to monitor for any potential allergies or intolerances. Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting three to five days between each new food. Some good first foods to try include infant cereals (oat, barley, and multi-grain), meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts, and cheeses. It's important to avoid giving your baby cow's milk as a drink until they are older than 12 months, but other cow's milk products like yogurt can be introduced earlier.

Food Preparation

In the beginning, your baby will find it easier to eat foods that are mashed, pureed, or strained to a very smooth consistency. As your baby's oral skills develop, you can introduce thicker and lumpier foods. Be mindful of potential choking hazards and always supervise your baby while they are eating. Cut small spherical foods like grapes and tomatoes into small pieces, and cook hard fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots to make them easier to mash or puree.

Allergenic Foods

Introduce potentially allergenic foods alongside other new foods. These include cow's milk products, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. If your baby has severe eczema and/or an egg allergy, consult your healthcare provider before introducing peanut-containing foods.

Nutrition

As your baby starts on solids, it's important to ensure they are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development. Choose a variety of nutritious foods from different food groups to provide a well-rounded diet.

Medication or supplements

Orange-tinted baby poop can be caused by medication or supplements taken by the mother while breastfeeding. Antibiotics, for example, can be responsible for orange-coloured stools, although they more commonly cause diarrhoea.

Additionally, the dyes from artificially coloured foods consumed by the mother can be passed on to the baby through breast milk, resulting in orange-tinted poop.

Digestive conditions

Orange-tinted baby poop can be caused by pigments picked up in your baby's digestive tract. It can occur in both breastfed and formula-fed babies.

Orange stool may indicate that the stool is either not being sufficiently exposed to bile or is not absorbing it properly. If the stool is not absorbing bile, this may be due to digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diarrhea. On the other hand, if the orange stool is caused by a lack of bile, it could indicate a blockage, which could be caused by gallstones or cysts.

If your baby's orange stool is accompanied by other symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or weakness, it is important to consult a doctor or pediatrician. While orange stool is generally not a cause for concern, white or grey poop may indicate liver or gallbladder problems, and you should seek medical advice.

Blockage

Orange stool in babies can be a sign of a blockage, which could be caused by gallstones or cysts. This is because when stool is eliminated from the body, it is exposed to bile. Orange-coloured stool may indicate that it is not being sufficiently exposed to bile or not absorbing it properly.

If your baby's orange stool is caused by a blockage, it is important to look out for other symptoms that may accompany it, such as constipation, diarrhoea, or weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a paediatrician.

While orange stool is generally not a cause for concern, white or grey poop may be more serious, indicating potential liver or gallbladder problems. It is always better to be cautious and seek medical advice if you are worried about your newborn's health.

Frequently asked questions