Your Baby’s Poo: What’s OK And What Is Not With Photos
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.
SEE ALSO:Breastfeeding: How To Ensure that Your Baby is Latching Properly
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.
SEE ALSO:How To Treat Your Baby’s Diaper Rash
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.
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.
SEE ALSO:Significance of Exclusive Breastfeeding to Babies – Dr. Sunday Yerumuoh Advises
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.
SEE ALSO:10 Reasons Your Baby Is Rejecting Your Breastmilk
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.
Lolz thanks for sharing
Noted
I was just carrying face looking at all those poops lol. Thanks MIM for sharing.
OMG!!!! Ewwwh….. MIM, am about eating breakfast. Lol.
Tnx 4 d information
Hmmm. MIM MIM. These pics are wonderful. Lol…… Thanks for the info sha. But next time put viewer discretion. Hahahaha
Great information…Thanks MIM
Noted.
Noted
Noted
noted
hmmmn .yuckish
I actually always look forward to cleaning my baby’s poop. Lolz. Thnx for sharing MIS
Thanks for sharing this great piece MIM.
I like the pictorial illustration.Thanks
thanks for sharing
Mmmmmhhwnn ????..Thank for the info
as i saw all dis poops i began to perceive d odour (those days) haba MIM where u go snap all dis?
Very very very helpful
lolz soo real.tanks for sharing
this is so helpful, thanks for the information
Very informative and helpful. I love the pictorial aspect,helps one to know what to watch out for.
Can a corrective surgery be done for a two year old with tongue-tie.thanks
I loved the picture stories.Very helpful
MIM haf come again, lol
Thankz for the info,its really helpful.