What it means
Meconium, which looks like licorice or tar,
is the first stool after birth and is perfectly
normal, healthy, and temporary. It is caused
by bilirubin, a yellowish-green breakdown
of red blood cells.
What to do
Check with your doctor if it lasts more than
3 days.
What it means
The occasional loose stool is not a
cause for alarm. But frequent, loud,
loose stools that last two days or more
could be diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause
dehydration, and also might a sign of
infection.
What to do
Give your baby plenty of fluids, or
breastfeed often. Do not give your baby
antidarrheal medication unless advised
by your doctor. He may recommend an
electrolyte solution for rehydration.
What it means
Breastfed babies who nurse for short
periods on each breast may receive more
foremilk (sweeter and thinner) than hindmilk
(richer and fatter). This sometimes results in
bright green, frothy poop.
What to do
Try not to switch your baby to your other
breast until you’ve nursed at least 20
minutes per side. If your baby is fussy
or seems uncomfortable, contact your
healthcare provider.
What it means
Breastfed baby poop is bright yellow and
mild-smelling and may come with loud,
even explosive, side effects. This totally
normal poop is the gold standard for
babies. Breast milk has the ideal nutrients
to help babies stay healthy and strong.
What to do
Be proud.
What it means
Hard, pellet-like stools could mean
constipation. Occasional constipation is
normal, especially with formula-fed babies
and during transitions to solid foods. It
may be a sign that your baby isn’t getting
enough fluid, or may be losing fluid from
the heat, illness, or fever.
What to do
For a very young baby, consult your
healthcare professional. Give older babies
lots to drink. Consider adding 1-2 ounces
of prune or pear juice to the diet. If your
baby is eating solids, offer higher-fiber
foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole
grains.
What it means
Bright red blood on a hard baby stool
could indicate small tears around the anus.
Often the stools of constipated babies are
streaked with blood or mucus from small
tears in the anus caused by pushing.
What to do
Occasional bleeding isn’t cause for
concern. Usually, it will stop once the
constipation has resolved. If the bleeding
continues after softening of stools, or if
there is more than a few drops of blood,
contact your healthcare professional.
What it means
This normal, healthy stool, which looks like
hummus, is the byproduct of a diet that
contains formula.
What to do
The only time to be concerned is if the
poop becomes hard or is watery.
What it means
Once your baby has started on solids,
you’ll see bowel movements that vary in
color and texture after every meal. Some
medications can turn a baby’s stool
unusual colors. Foods known for turning
baby poop shocking colors are carrots
(orange) and spinach (green).
What to do
Watch what your baby eats to ensure
there is a link between stool color and the
food he eats. If your baby’s stool is red for
no apparent reason, call your healthcare
professional.
What it means
Melena is a thick, black stool that could
contain blood that entered the intestines in
the upper portion of the digestive system.
What to do
If your baby has black poop that is not
meconium (which passes during the
first few days of life), call your healthcare
professional immediately.
What it means
This poop, which looks like leftover
guacamole, may appear in the diaper after
starting solid foods. This color is usually
normal.
What to do
If your baby has other symptoms that
concern you, contact your healthcare
professional.
What it means
A baby’s stool that is dark green or
greenish-black may be caused by a
reaction of bacteria in the intestines to the
iron sulfate in a supplement or iron-fortified
formula. The poop will remain this color as
long as your baby is on the formula.
What to do
Nothing. It’s normal. Studies show that iron
supplementation doesn’t cause digestive
problems or discomfort.
What it means
A chalky white stool could be a sign of a
lack of bile, a digestive fluid made in the
liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile
normally turns a stool brown. If your baby’s
liver doesn’t produce bile, or if the bile is
obstructed, his stool will be white.
What to do
A white stool is very rare. If your baby’s
stool is white, call your healthcare
professional right away.
Diaper Decoder
Contact your healthcare professional right away if you see:
Blood or mucus
in the stools
Fever
Vomiting
Irritability
Refusal to eat
Decreased or
dark-colored urine
Decreased activity
