As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to decipher everything about your baby’s health – including their bodily functions.

While changing diapers might be a messy and unpleasant experience, it can provide valuable insight into your baby’s health and well-being. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your baby’s poop.

Why is a Baby’s Poop Important?

A baby’s poop can give important information about their digestive health. It can also provide early warning signs of health issues or food intolerances. Changes in the appearance or frequency of a baby’s poop can be a symptom of a range of conditions.

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

In the first few days of a baby’s life, their poop will consist of meconium – a sticky, tar-like substance that is made up of materials ingested in-utero.

It can be difficult to clean and it’s normal for a baby to have several diaper changes with meconium in the first few days. After a few days, the poop should start to change colour to a greenish-brown and become less sticky.

Normal Baby Poop: Colour and Consistency

Normal baby poop can vary in colour and consistency, but there are some general guidelines to follow:.

Brown Poop

Most babies will have brown poop once they are two to three days old. Brown poop is a sign that everything is normal. Breastfed babies will usually have a more yellowish-brown poop, while formula-fed babies will have a darker brown poop.

Green Poop

Green poop can be a sign of an imbalance of foremilk and hindmilk in breastfed babies. This can happen if a baby doesn’t finish a feeding or if there’s an issue with milk production. Formula-fed babies can also have green poop, but it’s less common.

Yellow Poop

Yellow poop is typical for breastfed babies, but it can also be seen in formula-fed babies.

Red Poop

Red poop can be an alarming colour, but it can be normal in some cases. If a baby has eaten beets or foods with red dye, their poop can turn red. However, if the redness persists, consult a medical professional.

White Poop

White or pale poop can indicate that there’s a problem with your baby’s bile production or liver function. This can be a serious condition and you should seek medical attention right away if you notice white poop in your baby’s diaper.

Consistency of Baby Poop

The consistency of your baby’s poop is also important to take note of. The following are the usual consistencies:.

Runny or Watery Poop

Runny or watery poop can be a sign of diarrhea. If your baby is having frequent, loose stools, it’s important to keep them hydrated and consult with a medical professional as they can become dehydrated quickly.

Seedy or Grainy

This consistency is typical for breastfed babies and is considered normal.

Mushy or Slightly Formed

This consistency is typical for formula-fed babies and is considered normal.

Solid

After introducing solids, your baby’s poop will start to become more solid. It can vary in colour, texture, and smell.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

While some changes in your baby’s poop can be normal, others are a cause for concern. You should consult a medical professional if you notice any of the following:.

Blood in the stool
Consistently watery poop
White or light-colored stools
Constipation or difficulty passing stool
Excessive foul-smelling poop
Persistent diarrhea

Conclusion

Understanding your baby’s poop can help you track their digestive health and stay on top of any potential health issues. While changes in colour and consistency can be alarming, most changes in baby poop are temporary and normal.

By keeping track of your baby’s poop, you can be confident in their overall health and well-being.