Baby poo guide

Baby poo and understanding what’s in babies’ nappies always seems to be a hot topic amongst new parents!

It’s hard not to notice how much baby poo varies from nappy change to nappy change.

Babies’ developing digestive systems are very sensitive. This means that any change to your baby’s diet affects their poo too. 
 
Find out what’s normal and what’s not, the difference between breastfed and formula fed babies’ poo and starting on solids.
 

Baby poo guide

 

What’s normal when it comes to baby poo?

All babies have the same very first poo, a black, tar-like substance called the meconium. 

After this passes out of your new baby’s system, here’s what to expect:
 

Breastfed Babies

 

• Mustard coloured or yellow-green poo containing small, white granules is normal for breastfed babies.

 

• As breast milk changes, babies may have dark green or even greenish black poo temporarily.

 

• Changes to the mother’s diet can affect the baby’s poo as well.

 

• Breastfed babies’ poo is normally runny, and they are likely to poo after every feed.

 

• What seems like symptoms of diarrhoea are actually very normal while your baby is breastfeeding.

 

Formula Fed Babies

 

• Formula fed baby’s poo is usually yellow-green or tan in colour.

 

• The iron in fortified formulas can turn poo green or greenish black.

 

• Formula fed babies may have firmer poo than breastfed babies, but it should still be very soft (about the consistency of peanut butter).

 

• Although breastfed babies go more often than formula fed babies, all babies poo a lot, especially in the first month.

 

Starting on Solid Food

 

• Once your baby starts eating solid foods, you’ll notice their poo changes dramatically; it will be firmer, darker and a lot stinkier!

 

• What goes in, comes out looking very similar. For example, if you feed your little one strained carrots, their poo will turn orange.

 

• Textured foods or foods that are high in fibre (such as peas or raisins) may pass right through into your baby’s nappy intact. This is normal as your baby’s digestive tract develops and adjusts to new foods.

 

What’s not normal when it comes to baby poo?

Although baby poo varies a lot, sometimes what’s in your baby’s nappy can be cause for concern and a call to your baby’s healthcare practitioner may be needed:
 

• Chalky white poo can indicate a lack of bile to aid in digestion.

 

• Bright red in your baby’s poo may indicate bleeding near or around the anus, or a dairy allergy.

 

• Frothy green poo that lasts more than 24 hours could indicate a stomach bug, insufficient lactose intake or another digestive problem.

 

• Hard, dry, pellet-like stools your baby has trouble passing signal constipation.

 

• Baby poo that’s looser than normal isn’t cause for concern, but a sudden change to very watery stools indicates diarrhoea.

Changing nappies every few hours might not be the highlight of parenthood, but when you understand the mysteries of baby poo, at least you’ll be prepared for any surprises on the changing table!

More kids articles to enjoy:

• Guide to baby-led weaning
• Dealing with nappy rash
• Managing infant reflux

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