Understanding the color, constancy, and frequency of your infant’s stool is key to gauging their overall well-being and growth. Below, we delve into what to anticipate at different milestones and provide guidance on transitioning to solid food and toilet training.

Newborn babies and poo – what should their poo look like?

Being able to recognize what is considered ‘normal’ is essential in identifying any potential concerns. Here are the signs to watch for in your baby’s diapers right from the start:

• Initially passing greenish-black ‘meconium’
• Transitioning to yellow or mustard shades as they are fed
• Stools remaining soft and gradually firming up with the introduction of solid foods
• Possible white vaginal discharge with blood in baby girls due to hormonal shifts

How often should my baby poo?

• Bowel movements vary depending on age and feeding method
• As your baby grows older, transit time accelerates, resulting in fewer bowel movements each day

How often should a breastfed baby poo?

• For breastfed infants, expect soft, runny, golden stools

First few weeks of life

Details on stool frequency for breastfed babies categorized by age are outlined in the table below. It’s normal for some babies to have less frequent bowel movements post 6 weeks while still thriving and gaining weight.

How often should a formula fed baby poo?

• Formula-fed babies typically have firmer, darker, and odorous stools and might have multiple bowel movements throughout the day
• Constipation can be common among formula-fed babies and warrants attention from a healthcare provider if prolonged

Watery poo

If your baby experiences diarrhea, monitor for signs of dehydration and seek medical counsel if necessary. Ensure they are well-hydrated through breastfeeding or water intake.

Preventing constipation in babies

Aside from incorporating fruit juices and potty training, there are other strategies you can implement to prevent constipation in babies:

• Ensure your baby is getting enough fiber in their diet by offering foods like pureed vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Encourage physical activity, such as tummy time, crawling, and playtime, to help stimulate bowel movements.
• Make sure your baby is well-hydrated by offering plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid giving sugary drinks which can contribute to constipation.
• Consult with a pediatrician or dietitian to ensure your baby’s diet is balanced and meets their nutritional needs.

By taking a proactive approach to preventing constipation, you can help keep your baby’s digestive system healthy and functioning properly.

Babies who strain, grunt and go bright red before they poo

Some infants may exhibit signs of straining, grunting, or facial reddening before passing a regular, soft stool.

If your infant is under 9 months old without health complications, these could be attributed to ‘Infant Dyschezia’, characterized by uncoordinated bowel movements. In such cases, families may need to aid the stool’s passage by bending and supporting their baby’s legs up. Typically, this condition alleviates itself by a few months old.

It is important to monitor your baby’s bowel movements and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Additionally, ensuring your baby is getting enough fluids and a balanced diet can help regulate their digestive system and make passing stools easier for them.

Remember that every baby is different, and while some may experience these issues, others may not. Always trust your instincts as a parent and seek guidance from medical professionals when needed.

Starting solid food (weaning) and introducing other drinks

Introducing weaning at around 6 months includes the incorporation of water and solid foods. Weaning transitions can lead to constipation due to altered stool consistency.

• As solids are introduced, stool texture changes, making it tougher to clean and possessing a stronger odor
• Encouraging additional clear fluids besides water contributes to maintaining bowel health
• Initially, undigested food particles in an infant’s stool is common during weaning

As your baby consumes more solid foods, the quantity of milk decreases, potentially resulting in the reduction of milk feeds. Introducing a cup or beaker for water consumption during meals is vital to keep them hydrated.

Children should aim for around 1000ml of fluids daily, including clear liquids, with only 500-700ml as milk consumption.

While water is ideal, it can be infused with a hint of fruit juice if necessary.