How often should my baby poo?

As you’ve probably already gathered, being a parent involves a lot of wiping bums! How often do newborns poop, you ask? Well, we know that babies go through approximately 2000 nappies in their first year alone. While not all of those nappies will contain baby poo, it’s safe to say a fair few of them will.

Yep, wiping your little one’s bum will become the new normal and so will inspecting newborn poop!

From dehydration to constipation, you can learn a lot about your baby’s health by checking up on their poo. The wide variety of colours and consistencies can clue you into their well-being. Figuring out how often they should be going and what it should look like will help you with any concerns. Ahead we address some of the most common questions around newborn poo, to help you feel like a total poop pro!

How much should a newborn poop?

First off, you’re probably wondering how often you’ll be grabbing for a fresh nappy and the short answer is that newborn poop frequency is different for every baby. Depending on if you are breastfeeding or using formula, your little one might have different schedules. For a breastfeeding baby, during the first 5 days of life, they may only need one change during the day. Don’t get too comfortable though; after 5 days their bowels will start speeding up and your little one may need their dirty nappy to be changed around five times per day.

As babies reach the six-week milestone, their bowel movements may start to decrease in frequency. It is normal for their poops to become less frequent, and some babies might even skip a day or two. Remember that every baby is unique, so there’s no need to worry too much about the exact frequency. As long as your baby is content and gaining weight, minor variations are usually not a cause for concern. In the case of formula-fed babies, they tend to have fewer bowel movements, usually around 3-5 times per day.

If you have any concerns regarding your baby’s pooping pattern or if they appear uncomfortable or in pain, it’s always best to consult your doctor.

Newborn poo colour – what is normal?

Thinking about the colour of your little one’s poop will become a very normal part of your life. What’s normal relies on, again, if they’re breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies will typically have poo that is mustard coloured. Formula-fed poo on the contrast might be light brown, pale yellow, a mix between the two, or greenish-brown.

Newborn poo consistency

Breastfed babies typically pass stools that are characterised as runny, seedy, loose, and watery in consistency. The watery nature of their stools is due to the fact that they absorb all the valuable nutrients present in breast milk. In contrast, formula-fed babies tend to have bowel movements that are more like a paste, offering a better-formed appearance compared to those of breastfed infants.

It is important to note that both breastfed and formula-fed babies can have variations in their stool consistency, and this is generally considered normal. However, if you notice any significant changes or have concerns about your baby’s stool, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.

Changes to baby poo

Checking up on your little one’s nappy is important to monitor any bleeding, diarrhea, or constipation. If their diapers start to come more often and are quite a watery green, this could mean they have diarrhea. Diarrhea is due to dehydration so you may want to contact your GP if this occurs, especially in newborns. 

How to help my newborn poop

If your baby isn’t pooping for around 5-7 days, contact your doctor because it is possible they might be constipated. Luckily, it is easily treatable and they’ll be pooping happily again soon.

If you want to try to help your baby poop at home, there are some simple tricks you can try such as:

Massage: Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. This can help stimulate the digestive system and promote bowel movements.

Bicycle Legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion. This can help relieve gas and encourage bowel movements.

Tummy Time: Give your baby regular tummy time, as it can aid in digestion and relieve constipation.

Warm Bath: A warm bath can relax your baby’s muscles and potentially stimulate the bowels. You can try massaging their tummy while they are in the bath.

Monitor Diet: If your baby has started solid foods, ensure they are getting enough fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Be mindful of any foods that may be constipating and avoid them for the time being.

Hydration: Make sure your baby stays adequately hydrated by offering them plenty of fluids, especially if they have started solids. Breastfed babies usually get enough hydration from breast milk.