Baby poop can be a mysterious and confusing subject for new parents, but it is an important indicator of their health and well-being. Understanding the different types, frequencies, consistency, and colour of baby poop can help parents identify any potential health issues and provide the necessary care for their little one. In this guide, we will delve into everything new parents need to know about baby poop, including what’s normal and what’s not.

What does the Newborn Poop look like?

Newborn poop typically appears thick, black, and sticky, known as meconium. This first type of stool is composed of all the things the baby ingested while in the womb, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, and skin cells. Meconium is normally passed within the first 24 hours after birth, and after that, the baby’s poop will begin to change in appearance. Transitional poop may be green, yellow, or brown and have a more liquid consistency. As the baby starts to receive breast milk or formula, their poop will become more yellow and seedy in texture. It’s important to note that every baby is different, and the appearance of their poop may vary. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to consult with your paediatrician.

Yes, the appearance of baby poop can vary depending on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed.

Breastfed baby poop is typically yellow or yellow-green in colour, with a seedy and runny texture. It may also have a sweet, slightly sour odour.

Formula-fed baby poop is usually a yellow or brown colour, with a thicker, pasty consistency. It may also have a stronger odour compared to breastfed baby poop.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different and their poop may vary in appearance, even if they are receiving the same type of feed.

Different Colours of Baby Poop

• Yellow: This is normal, breastfed baby poop that is typically runny and seedy.
• Brown: Formula-fed baby poop is usually brown and thicker than breastmilk poop.
• Black: Dark, tarry, or black poop can indicate that there is dried blood in the stool, which should be evaluated by a doctor.
• White or light grey: If the poop is white or light grey, it may indicate a liver problem or the absence of bile in the stool. This should be evaluated by a doctor.
• Red: Red in the stool can indicate the presence of blood, which should be evaluated by a doctor.

Causes of Bloody Stools in Babies 

There are several reasons why a baby might have blood in their stool, including:

1. Infantile colic: This is a common condition that causes abdominal pain and discomfort in babies, often leading to blood in the stool.
2. Food intolerance: Some babies may have trouble digesting certain foods, such as cow’s milk, which can cause inflammation and bleeding in the intestinal tract.
3. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract, leading to blood in the stool.
4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): In rare cases, infants may have a condition similar to IBD, which causes inflammation and bleeding in the intestine.
5. Anal fissures: Small tears in the anus can cause bleeding, especially when a baby is constipated.
6. Inherited bleeding disorders: Some babies are born with bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia, that can cause blood in the stool.
7. Parental nipple injuries: If a breastfeeding or chestfeeding parent has cracked and bleeding nipples, the baby could swallow some of the blood while nursing, leading to dark red or black flecks in the stool.

In conclusion, understanding your baby’s poop can be an important indicator of their overall health and well-being. As a new parent, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of frequency, consistency, and color. By paying attention to your baby’s poop and consulting with a healthcare professional if you have concerns, you can ensure that your baby is healthy and growing as they should. Remember, every baby is different, so don’t hesitate to seek advice if you have any questions or concerns.