Baby poop can indicate many things. You can predict their health by looking at the color of the poop. Between your doctor’s visits for your baby’s general checkup, you can keep an eye on their health in this way. Breastfed baby poop tells a lot about their appetite and ability to digest. However, a slight change in the color of poop is not a cause of concern.
You need to observe their pattern, and if anything changes and concerns you, call your doctor immediately. A formula-fed baby’s poop may slightly differ from a breastfed. You may also want to know many things about baby poop, its gradual and sudden changes, and what it indicates.
In This Article
- Meconium- Baby’s First Poop
- Your Baby’s Poop – What is Normal?
- What the Colors of Baby Poop May Mean?
- Baby Poop Color Chart
- How Often Will Your Breastfed Baby Poop?
- When Your Baby Does Not Poop, is it Constipation?
- How to Tell if Your Baby Has Pooped?
- Can Your Baby Make Too Much Poop?
- Can Breast Milk Cause Diarrhea in Babies?
- When to Call The Doctor?
- FAQ’s
Meconium- Baby’s First Poop
Everything a baby swallows when inside the mother’s womb comes out as a dark and tarry poop called meconium. Meconium is the first poop the baby passes within two to three days of birth. It is dark in color and looks like tar, and is a combination of amniotic fluid, bile, and other secretions that a baby swallows when inside the womb. Meconium usually disappears within two to three days after birth.
A black and tarry poop is not a concern only during this time. But, if you see your baby pooping dark after the meconium phase, it calls for an appointment with your doctor.
Your Baby’s Poop – What is Normal?
Your baby’s poop is the gateway to understanding their appetite and growth. After the meconium phase, once your baby starts to latch and take the required amount of milk, the color and the consistency of their poop change. During this phase, starting from a few weeks of birth till the 6th week, your baby may poop as many times as possible.
During the initial weeks of birth, babies poop around 5-8 times a day, and sometimes the count may shoot up to 12. There is nothing to worry about, as this is normal. The frequency continues till they hit six weeks and then gradually decreases. A normal breastfed baby’s poop is mustard yellow in color, slightly runny in consistency, and looks grainy in texture.
A formula-fed baby’s poop looks a bit thicker in consistency, and it is dark yellow or light brown in color. It is possible to see a slight mixture of mucus in your baby’s poop sometimes, which is normal. It is important for you to let your doctor know about your baby’s poop colors. Inform them if you observe very watery poop and green stools.
What the Colors of Baby Poop May Mean?
Any change in their pattern of pooping may or may not indicate a problem. The colors of baby poop can say a lot about their digestion and wellness. Here are the different baby poop colors and what they indicate.
1. Black Tarry Poop
It is called meconium, and meconium is the first poop passed by a baby during the initial days of birth.
2. Yellow or Mustard Yellow Poop
Yellow or mustard is a usual poop color in breastfed babies. The poop color may slightly differ in formula-fed babies.
3. Green Poop
A bright green or dark green poop may indicate that your baby is getting too much milk. An increased amount of iron from the food may also lead to dark green pooping. The bile fluids come out mixed with the poop, and a rapidly passed food may lead to green-colored poop in babies.
If your baby is on solids and has eaten green leafy veggies such as spinach, you may find that your baby has passed green poop.
4. Brown Baby Poop
It is seen in babies on solids and is above six months. The poop color may vary based on the colors of the food you feed them.
5. Hard and Brown Poop
A hard brown poop may indicate constipation in babies. Constipation is normal as your baby has an immature digestive system.
6. Red Poop
Some tinge of red flakes in your baby’s poop may indicate a small tear in the anus because of constipation. The red color may also imply that your baby possibly has a milk allergy. It is vital to call your doctor if you see red-tinged poop.
7. Dark Brown or Black Poop
Dark brown or black poop is normal only if it is meconium. If your baby poops dark brown or tarry after months of birth, it may indicate an intestinal problem. It is wise to call your doctor immediately if you observe your baby passing black poop.
8. White or Gray-Colored Poop
White or gray-colored poop indicates a liver problem. Take your baby to the doctor immediately if you observe this.
[Read : Newborn Baby Poop Colors – Everything You Need To Know About]
Baby Poop Color Chart
| Poop color | Indication |
| Black and Tarry | Meconium – Baby’s First Poop |
| Mustard Yellow and Greenish Yellow | A Normal Breastfed and Formula Fed |
| Dark Green or Bright Green | Rapid Ingestion, and Excess Iron |
| Brown Poop | Babies First Solid Food |
| Hard Brown or Pebble Like Poop | Constipation in Babies |
| Red Poop (Red Tinged or Flakes) | Milk Allergy, Rectal Tear Due to Constipation, Sucking Nipple Blood |
| Dark Red and Black Poop | Gastrointestinal Problems |
| White or Gray Poop | Improper Liver Functioning |
How Often Will Your Breastfed Baby Poop?
During the initial days of birth, it is common for a baby to poop around 3-8 times. Consider it normal if the number shoots up to 12. It will continue till the 6th week and gradually decrease. Your baby may poop once per day or even once in a few days, which is normal. As their digestive system develops, your baby starts to pass brown poop that looks like adult poop once they are on solids.
When Your Baby Does Not Poop, is it Constipation?
After the first few weeks of life, the frequency of pooping gradually reduces. It may go down to once a day or even once in a few days. It always does not mean that your baby is constipated, but ensure to consult your doctor if you observe changes in pattern and behavior like,
- Being fussy or upset.
- Not eating or not interested in breastfeeding.
- Unable to gain weight.
[Read : Why Is My Breastfed Baby Not Pooping?]
How to Tell if Your Baby Has Pooped?
Baby pooping is associated with slight grunting sounds. Your baby looks strained while pooping. It is a normal process, and sounds are typical even while passing soft stools. Constipated poop takes more effort, but contact your doctor if you feel any difference in the pattern.
Can Your Baby Make Too Much Poop?
During the initial days of birth, a normal baby poops around 5-8 times a day. They may poop after each feed as their digestive and excretory systems are still establishing themselves. After the first six weeks, the frequency reduces, and your baby may poop only once a day.
As the days pass by, your baby may even go for days without pooping. It is common and is not a signal of concern until the poop color is on the safer side and your baby is happy and gaining weight. During these times, a long gap in pooping may lead a baby to poop more than usual.
[Read : Why Does My Baby Poop Every Time He Eats?]
Can Breast Milk Cause Diarrhea in Babies?
Breast Milk does not harm babies. If you are breastfeeding and observe your baby has diarrhea, then it is something from the food that did not go well with the baby. It might not be a cause of concern, but it is better to consult your doctor if this problem persists. You may also see slightly varied poop colors even during breastfeeding, which is normal, and the cause is food.
When to Call the Doctor?
Slight variations in baby poop color are not a concern. It can be because of your or the baby’s food. However, it is better to call your doctor if you observe changes in baby pooping patterns.
- Dark brown and pebble-like poop can be a signal of constipation.
- Red streaks in poop can be a cause for concern and you must consult the pediatrician if you happen to see this often.
- Dark or bright green poo indicates that the food is passing down rapidly.
- Dark red or black poop can be a gastrointestinal issue.
- White or clay-colored poop can indicate a liver problem.
As long as your baby is latching well, happy, and gaining standard weight, do not worry about those slight changes in poop color. Every change may not be a concern, but it is wise to get reassurance from your doctor if you are worried.
FAQ’s
1. When Should I Worry About Breastfed Baby’s Poop?
It is common for the poop of a breastfed baby to look runny and grainy. But consult your doctor if you observe watery, green poop, blood-mixed poop or grey poop.
2. How Often Does a Breastfed Baby Poop?
During the initial months of birth, babies may poop 5-8 times a day. It slowly reduces as the baby crosses the 6th week, and they will poop once a day or may go without pooping for days. Do not worry until your baby is happy and gaining standard weight.
3. Does Breastfeeding Baby Poop Look Like Diarrhea?
Breastfed baby poop looks runny and grainy and may look like diarrhea. However, diarrhea is watery and sometimes may look green in color. Babies have different poop colors depending on what they drink too. Breastfed baby poop may be different from formula fed baby. A baby having solids may have different poop colors too.
Read Also: Blood In Baby’s Stool & Diaper – Causes And Treatment
