A baby’s stool can provide valuable insights into their health and diet. In the first few days of life, your baby will pass meconium, a thick, tarry substance that is a mix of amniotic fluid, cells, and secretions from the digestive tract. As your baby starts feeding, the stool will change in appearance. Breastfed babies usually have yellow, seedy stools, while formula-fed babies tend to have firmer, tan-colored stools.
The frequency of bowel movements varies depending on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. Newborns may have several bowel movements a day, while older babies might go one or two days between bowel movements.
Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation, may indicate a change in diet or the presence of a mild illness. If your baby has diarrhea for more than a few hours, or if you notice signs of constipation, like hard, dry stools, it’s essential to consult your pediatrician.
Sometimes, a small change in the baby’s diet can affect their digestion, so it’s always good to keep track of any recent dietary changes or other factors that might be contributing. Diarrhea, especially when accompanied by fever, can sometimes be a sign of an infection, and any prolonged changes in stool should be evaluated to rule out health concerns.
