Your Baby’s Poo: What’s OK And What Is Not With Photos

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New mums can sometimes have little idea what to expect, when it comes to their newborn’s poo! But a dirty nappy can give you all manner of clues as to the immediate health of your brand new miracle.

Here is a quick go-to guide to help you read what those stinky (or not) nappies are trying to tell you!  Please don’t read this if you are eating or drinking. It’s baby stinky in here.

Meconium

In the first few days of your baby’s life, he will pass shocking, black, treacle like motions called meconium. This sticky, alien looking substance is absolutely nothing to freak out about, as it is simply the rest of the mucus, skin cells and amniotic fluid that is left over from being born!

Breast Vs. Bottle

Breast

Breastfed babies usually pass much thinner and sloppier motions than their formula fed friends. Expect a bright, mustardy coloured poop from your newborn, often with little seed like flecks. Due to the high liquid content of breast milk, and high absorption rate by the baby’s body, one motion a day is nothing to concerned about.

Bottle

Don’t be alarmed to see a greenish tinge in your baby’s poop, if he is bottle fed. But due to the heavier nature of formula, your baby might move his bowels a bit more often than his breast fed mate, sometimes multiple times a day.

Warning

If your baby’s poop is white, it might mean he is not producing bile. If it is black, it could be a sign of internal bleeding in the intestinal tract. In either case, see a doctor as soon as possible.

2. If however the motion is bloody, slimy or watery, then you might want to take him to the doctor to rule out any possible allergies or nasty infections.

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3. A hard, solid poop that causes your child distress or to cry out in agony might mean that he has become constipated. Increase feeds from the breast or introduce water, if bottle fed.

Frequency

There is no set number of times for bowel movements, some babies soil their nappies numerous times a day, while others do not bother for up to a week! As long as your baby is thriving, alert while awake and has a healthy appetite, then you have little to worry about.

Smell

As a general rule, the poop of breastfed babies has no discernible smell at all, while formula fed babies only emit a slightly sour odour. If your baby’s poop has a strong, foul smell, see a doctor immediately, she might be suffering from an allergy to an ingredient in her formula.

Antibiotics and other medication can also cause changes in poop consistency and odour, if your baby is on medication, keep an extra close eye on his motions and report anything suspicious to your doctor.