Who knew you would be so concerned with baby poop?
Before becoming a parent, you probably didn’t know how concerned you’d be with your baby’s poop! If baby isn’t here yet – take note! In this blog post I break down what you need to know about baby poop.
In breastfed babies, stool typically transitions as such (timing can vary):
- Day one: Black, tarry, and sticky. This is meconium and important for baby to pass.
- Days two-three: Black/brownish or brownish/greenish
- Days four-five: Greenish/yellowish
- After day five: Yellow and seedy
Some babies may transition through these colors quicker or slower. Weight gain is something we monitor as well to ensure feeding is going well.
Formula-fed babies do not always transition through these, and that is okay! They may have more firm stool, but the color should also be in the earth-tones!
WHAT CONSISTENCY IS NORMAL?
- Consistency doesn’t matter as much as certain colors.
- Babies can have loose or thicker poop.
- If baby is having excessive loose poop and not gaining weight, this should be brought up to your child’s clinician.
WHAT IS ABNORMAL?
- Poop can be any color except black, red, or white. Earth-tone colors are common. If you are concerned, you can speak to a clinician.
- Mucus stool is okay in a baby who is gaining weight.
- If the mucus also has streaks of blood, baby is very irritable with feeds, and/or spitting up more than usual, speak to child’s clinician.
