If there's one thing to know about being a new parent, it's that you'll be changing a lot of dirty diapers in the first few months. Babies go through at least 3,000 diapers during their first year alone, with several diaper changes a day, so you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with their bowel movements. But during the precious newborn phase, it can be hard to know if your baby's stool schedule is healthy. You may be asking, “How often should newborns poop each day?”
As it turns out, the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. For starters, poop frequency depends on whether your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed. A baby's unique digestive system also comes into play, as does any other underlying medical issues. Always ask a pediatrician or health care provider about questions regarding newborn poop, and refer to the general guidelines below for pointers.
The Baby Poop Guide: What's Normal, What's Not
What to Expect for Your Baby's First Poop
Most babies have their first bowel movement within 24-48 hours of life. Called meconium, these stools tend to be thick, sticky, and tar-like. Meconium is made from swallowing amniotic fluid in utero; it can contain shed skin cells as well as shed intestinal lining cells, mucus, and bile. Your baby's first several diapers will contain meconium until their digestive system clears all the remnants from birth. Be prepared to go through a lot of wipes to get that sticky stuff off, but take note that meconium usually doesn't smell bad…unlike the poop that comes later.
After the meconium has passed, stool consistency will vary depending on whether your newborn is breastfed or formula-fed.
How Often Should Breastfed Newborns Poop?
Many breastfed newborns poop following each nursing session, adding up to six or more poops daily for the first six weeks of life. After six weeks, your baby might have less bowel movements.
In general, you can expect breastfed babies to have a lot of dirty diapers in the first few weeks of life, with some relief as time passes. Breastfed babies will generally poop less than solely formula-fed babies as they get older, but your newborn's gastrocolic reflex, which signals for the colon to empty when the stomach stretches with food, isn't completely mature yet. As a result, their body might “make room for more” by passing bowel movements every time they consume milk—sometimes even during nursing sessions.
Breastfed Baby Poop: What Does It Look Like?
On the other hand, some breastfed newborns poop only once every few days (especially after the first two weeks of life). Both situations can be healthy. “For a breastfed baby, it can be normal to have only one bowel movement a week,” explains Nanci Pittman, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. “It can also be normal to have as many as one bowel movement with each feeding.”
Another fun fact? Breastfed baby stools look different than babies who have more formula and tend to be soft, seedy, and mustard-colored. They'll probably smell different too (some parents swear breastfed babies' poop is less offensive smelling, but then again, poop is poop!).
How Often Should Formula-Fed Newborns Poop?
Parents can expect around one to four bowel movements each day from babies who are fed formula primarily. Formula-fed newborns also pass fewer—but larger and different-smelling—stools than breastfed babies. That's because bowel movements pass through the intestines more slowly when a baby consumes formula.
Some formula-fed infants poop much less less frequently; it all depends on your little one's digestive system. A formula-fed baby's poops look yellow to brown in color, and they're firmer than those of a breastfed baby. As always, bring up any concerns with your pediatrician.
The Ultimate Baby Poop Color Chart
What Does Baby Poop Look Like After the Newborn Stage?
No matter how your baby is fed, it's actually normal (and expected) for the frequency of pooping to slow around 6-8 weeks, says Ari Brown, MD, a Parents advisor and co-author of Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice For Your Baby's First Year. Your baby's intestines are maturing and their digestion is becoming more efficient. As long as the poop feels soft when it comes out, it's fine if your baby poops just one or two times a week if they're maintaining a healthy weight.
Once your baby starts solids down the line, their poop will change again, with stools becoming firmer, with a stronger odor.
When to Call a Health Care Provider
Although constipation is rare in newborns, you should watch out for signs of a backed-up baby, which include:
Hard or dried out stool consistencyRefusal to eatMaking strained facesCrying and appearing uncomfortableA hard bellyStool containing blood
Let your doctor know about any of these symptoms; they may check your baby for a milk-protein allergy. Also inform your doctor about progressively watery poop, bloody stools, or bowel movements that are white, gray, or black after they have passed meconium.
While there's certainly a range as to what's considered typical, if you find yourself with further questions or concerns about your baby's bowel movements, be sure to reach out to a pediatrician or health care provider for further guidance.
What Your Baby's Poop May Be Telling You About Milk Allergies
Discussion about this post