Things They Don't Teach New Moms: Baby and Toddler Poop

I hope you haven't just finished your dinner, because I'm going to talk about poop now.

I breastfeed my son, and plan to do so until he weans himself (hopefully not past 2 years though, as that's my personal limit). When you breast feed your child's stool is different from one receiving formula, right from the get go. So for all intents and purposes this post will touch mostly on breastfed babies as it is what I am experienced with.

Breast milk goes through changes, starting out as colostrum, then breast milk and changes for your child's needs and age. Similarly your babies stool changes from meconium to a lighter and thinner stool to even some with partially digested food in it. There are many colors, consistencies and smells that can all mean your child is healthy and normal.

I received lots of advice, and guidance when my son was young from the local La Leche League as well as my local Baby Cafe. I came home with pamphlets, informational sheets and books on everything from babies eating schedules, sleeping patterns and yes, poop. As a first time mom it struck me as odd that there would be a need to explain such a thing to anyone- food goes in and well, you know what comes out. That was until my sons bowels changed and I was desperately wracking my brain trying to remember where I put the pamphlet with the poop chart on it.

The hard thing is finding information on children that are eating solids as well as breastfeeding or consuming formula. After all, babies are supposed to get the majority of their nutrients from these sources as opposed to foods for the first year. Through research I have been able to compile some answers to put my mind at ease that may also benefit some moms out there for babies of all ages.

In the first 5 days after a child is born their bowels change daily, in color, consistency and frequency. This chart explains the changes:

This chart shows the likely colors of the child's

 bowels before solid foods are introduced: 

Color: Stool is made up of 3 different things, bile, bacteria and cells from the intestines. Bile aids in digestion of foods and makes up the majority of the color of the stool. The reason for the color changes is in part due to the digestive tract being introduced to new bacteria. As the stool moves through the intestines it collects different colors and smells from digestive juices, bile and bacteria. Babies that are exclusively breastfeed receive different proteins depending on what the mother consumes which can cause color variations. Formula fed babies, while they get fed the same food daily, may have color changes in their poop due to new bacteria. When a baby starts eating solids their poop changes immensely. Their stool may appear the color of whatever foods they have recently eaten, and fiber rich foods like raisins may pass through seemingly undigested. As a child gets older their bodies are more adept to digesting these foods, and their stools will become smellier, thicker and darker.

Consistency: If nutrients move slowly through the digestive tract the water has more time to be absorbed into the body causing constipation. On the other hand, if things move quickly through the tract more water is retained in the stool resulting in diarrhea. Breast milk poop tends to be softer, more yellow, and seedy. Formula fed babies stool is often more of a brown-yellow color and bulkier, like toothpaste. When introduced to solids some foods may come out whole. If a baby drinks too much water their stools can become loose, if they do not drink enough liquids their stools may become too hard. I swear by the BRAT diet when my son has diarrhea and prunes and water when he is constipated. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop diarrhea or constipation. 

Odor: Generally breast milk poop does not stink, whereas formula fed poop can be slightly odorous. The longer feces sits in the bacteria of the intestines the more it will collect a smell, however if a baby passes stool that smells more foul than normal, before solids are introduced there may be an allergy or intolerance. Once solids are introduced prepare for an array of horrid smells.

Frequency: Newborns may pass up to 10 bowel movements a day, but as long as they have one they are A-OK. As a child gets older they may pass them less frequently. After the age of 6 months 4 a day is really the most they should be passing stool. As long as when they child goes they are not straining and the stool is soft when it does pass then there is really no worry in regards to frequency. 

What to look for:
'Normal' poop can be a whole array of colors: yellow, green, brown, orange, dark green/almost black of on an iron supplement and may contain partially digested foods once solids are started. 

If the poop can roll, it is too hard.
If a baby's stools are looser and passing more frequently it could be diarrhea.
If the stool is bloody, black like tar after the first 3 days after birth or pale see your child's pediatrician.
If the baby's stools have a strong, unusual odor before they begin solids ask the pediatrician if it's anything to worry about.

This site has a great visual guide to color and consistency: Baby Centre's Poo Gallery