It is natural for you to wonder about your baby’s bowel movement. However, each baby is unique and has his/her own ways when it comes to this subject but with time, you will be able to familiarize yourself with your baby’s bowel movement.
In this article, BabySpace will help you identify the typical patterns of your baby’s bowel movements and if there is something you should pay attention to.
What is baby bowel movement?
This is the function in which what the baby consumes gets digested, In other words it is the digestive process that takes place within your baby’s body. When we are talking about bowel movements the most important parameter for parents is the baby’s poop.
When does my baby start to poop?
Your baby will first experience her bowel movement just after she is born. This is known as meconium.
Meconium is a thick black or dark green substance, which was collected within your baby’s intestines while inside he/she was inside the womb. Meconium is made up of amniotic fluid (a slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn fetus when in the womb), shed cells and bile.
This substance will pass out in 12-24 hours of the birth of your baby.
However, it is important to note that the delay in this process can be a sign of complications in the baby’s bowel movement but thankfully, at the hospital the nurses keep a constant watch for meconium.
What to expect in breast-fed baby poop?
By now, your baby has passed all that tar looking meconium and you will see a gradual change in the colour of your baby’s poop. As it is recommended to breast feed your baby during her first few months you can expect mustard coloured, seedy and runny poop.
A breast fed baby will consume milk up to eight-twelve times a day and this means you’ll have to change your baby’s nappy eight-twelve times per day and most often just shortly after she is being fed. As breast milk tend to be absorbed easier you will see very little of it coming out as poop. Though it seems tiring, it is always handy to check her stools constantly and keep track of them.
What to expect in formula fed baby poop?
As formula milk is heavier than breast milk it will remain in your baby’s digestive tract for a longer time. This means there will be less bowel movement. During the first few weeks after you start to feed your baby formula you can expect four to six poops per day. As your baby’s digestive system begins to get used to formula, however, the number may change.
If we look at the colour of poop that comes after the baby is given with formula it will be a tan or darker yellow in colour than that of a breast milk fed baby. The stools will be firmer. Some mothers say that they this poop resembles mild peanut butter.
What is the green poop?
Green poop tends to worry most parents, and most parents get alarmed when they see green coloured poop in their babies nappy in replacing the innocent yellow ones.
It is completely normal for a baby to poop in green once in a while. The dark green poop is a cause of iron-fortified formula and breast milk or vitamin that your baby is fed with.
When should you worry about green poop?
It is necessary to keep in mind that green poop are not always normal. Sometimes these trouble makers indicate that there is something wrong with your baby but pass as a normal green poop day.
You might want to watch out for the following, and report to you paediatrician if they occur continuously;
- Constant lighter green poop could be the result of imbalance in foremilk or sensitivity to a substance in the mother’s milk
- Green poop with mucus or specks of blood could be a result of a virus
- Frequent greener watery poop is another problem indicator that should not be missed. This kind poop shows that your baby could be suffering from a virus, a bowel infection, food intolerance or stress
If your baby shows any sign of a recurring watery or mucus like green poops it is time for you to consult your doctor.
Is it normal if my baby stops pooping for several days?
In the fourth week, your baby may start showing less bowel movement, which is normal. Sometimes your baby will reduce pooping for several days but if she shows signs of uneasiness and pain then you will have to consult your doctor to rule our constipation.
Why is my baby grunting and crying while pooping?
Does your baby grunt and cry when she poops? Do not be alarmed because most babies cry, turn red, or grunt when they poop. This could be a result of your baby’s adjustment to bowel movement sensation, and this does not necessarily mean that she is in pain.
What can I do to ease any discomfort my baby might have?
Massaging your baby’s stomach or thighs when she is about to poop will help your baby to do it with more ease. In addition, some parents place a warm bottle on their baby’s stomach before she poops. This is a helpful method but make sure the warmth is just right so that you do not burn your baby
However if your baby does not seem to get used to pooping and there is nonstop grunting and crying please see your paediatrician immediately.
What are the signs of diarrhoea or constipation?
A Baby’s diarrhoea reactions are hard to spot and most moms pass it for a normal poop day because they are runny similar to baby’s poop. But it is important to identify it.
Diarrhoea in babies can be yellow, brown or green in colour and very watery. When you take your baby’s soiled nappy if her poop is seeping out of it then that is a clear sign of diarrhoea.
In addition, why you should be cautious of it is because diarrhoea can be a sign of infections or allergic reactions.
In contrast to the runny, mucus like diarrhoea if your baby’s poop is hard and pebble looking then this is a clear sign of constipation. Babies show a lot of uneasiness when they are constipated. It is normal for a baby to experience constipation during the first phase after she start to consume solid food.
However, if you see pecks of blood or if constipation lasts longer than three or four poops it is high time you consult your doctor as this could mean that your baby’s body showing less tolerance to certain food substances.
If this article did not answer all your questions, relating to baby poop you can send us your questions in and our professionals will answer them.