What do the colors of baby stools mean?
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for every infant; it is best suited to their specific needs. If using infant formula when the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed, it is essential to strictly follow the preparation and usage instructions and consult a healthcare professional.
Baby stools from A to Z
Baby's stools during the first few days after birth
In the first few days after a baby's birth, their stools have the appearance of a black, sticky substance: this is called meconium.¹ .
This is due to the accumulation of amniotic fluid residue² and is a sign that the baby's bowel movements are functioning. These stools, which do not have a particular odor, are passed within two or three days.
The evolution of stools 11
After meconium, babies' stools change in texture and color¹ , and this varies from one baby to another, because every little treasure is unique! The texture of a baby's stools varies depending on their diet; it can be more liquid or harder. These variations can be explained by a change in formula *, taking medication, or even during teething periods…
Factors influencing stool changes
Exclusive breastfeeding ¹
A baby's stools naturally depend on their diet. Breast milk is the best milk for your baby. And, if you are exclusively breastfeeding, your baby's stools will have a lumpy appearance and an unformed, liquid texture. They are also related to what you eat.
Furthermore, because breast milk is rich in lactose, it can cause gas and colic. While frequent bowel movements after each feeding are not uncommon, they can also be less frequent.
In either case, if the baby is growing well, there is no need to worry : each baby follows its own rhythm.
Infant formulas
If a baby is bottle-fed, the texture of their stools depends on the formula used in their meals: they will be pasty, thick, and smelly¹ compared to the stools of a breastfed baby. An unsuitable formula can cause constipation³ or diarrhea 1 : In both cases, if this happens regularly, it is a sign that you need to consult your pediatrician or the healthcare professional who is treating your baby.
Introduction of solid foods
The introduction of solid foods also coincides with changes in your baby's stools! Especially when introducing solid foods, their stools become thicker and the odor intensifies. The color changes and becomes darker, but this can still vary depending on the foods consumed (such as apricots ... ).
How to interpret the color of a baby's stools?
Mustard yellow stools
Mustard yellow is the most common color of a baby's stools when exclusively breastfed. ¹
Brown stools
If the baby is bottle-fed with infant formula , the color of their stools will be brown. ¹
Green stools
A baby's stools can also be in shades of green, and this depends, as you know, on their diet. So, if you are breastfeeding and have eaten green vegetables, the color of their stools will be rather greenish.
If the baby is bottle-fed, their stools may be green. 1.5 Introducing solid foods can be a reason for a baby's stools turning green.
White, red or black stools
White, red or black baby stools (apart from meconium, which was mentioned above) are, however, a sign that you should consult a doctor.
Conclusion
You now know all about baby stools, which are often a source of questions and even concern for new parents. Regardless of their texture or color (except for white, red, or black stools, as we just discussed), if your baby is healthy and thriving, you have nothing to worry about.
And, if you have any doubt, the healthcare professional who is monitoring your baby is there to answer your questions; they remain the first person to contact for advice.
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*infant formula, mixed feeding or transitioning from breastfeeding
1. https://www.mpedia.fr/art-selles-bebe-0-a-6-mois/
2. https://mpedia.fr/art-premier-change/
4. https://www.mpedia.fr/art-son-petit-ventre/
5. https://www.mpedia.fr/qr/mon-bebe-a-des-selles-vertes-tres-foncees-est-ce-normal/
