Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for every infant: it is best suited to their specific needs. When using infant formula, when the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed, it is important to scrupulously follow the instructions for preparation and use and to follow the advice of the medical profession.
Baby stools from A to Z
Baby's stools during the first few days after birth
In the first few days after the baby is born, the baby's stools look like a black, sticky material: this is called meconium ¹ .
This is the accumulation of amniotic fluid residue and is a sign that the child's bowel movements are functioning properly. These stools, which do not have any particular odor, are passed within two or three days.
The evolution of stools ¹
After meconium, baby stools change texture and color ¹ , and this varies from one baby to another, because each little treasure is unique! The texture of baby stools varies in particular depending on their diet, it can be more liquid or harder. Variations that can be explained by a change in milk *, taking medication, or even during periods when they are teething…
Factors in stool evolution
Exclusive breastfeeding ¹
Baby's stools therefore naturally depend on his diet. Breast milk is the best milk for your baby. And, if you're exclusively breastfeeding, your baby's stools will have a lumpy appearance and a loose, runny texture. This is also related to what you eat.
Furthermore, because breast milk is high 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 their own unique rhythm.
Infant formulas
If a baby is bottle-fed, the texture of his stools depends on the infant formula he is given: they will be pasty, thick and smelly ¹ , compared to the stools of a breast-fed baby. Infant formula that is not suitable for his baby can cause constipation ³ or diarrhea ¹ : In both cases, if this happens regularly, it is a sign that it is necessary to consult your pediatrician or the health professional who is following your baby.
Introduction of solid foods
The time for solid food diversification is also the time for the diversification of baby's stools! Especially when introducing solid foods, their stools become thicker and the smell increases. The color changes and becomes darker, but this can still change depending on the foods consumed (such as apricots 4 ...)
How to interpret the color of baby's stools?
Mustard yellow stools
Mustard yellow is the most common color of baby stools when exclusively breastfed. ¹
Brown stools
If the baby is bottle-fed with infant formula , the color of his stools will be in the brown range. ¹
Green stools
Baby's stools can also be shades of green, and this depends, as you know, on their diet. For example, if you're breastfeeding and have been eating green vegetables, the color of their stools will be more greenish.
If the baby is bottle-fed, his stool may be green. 1.5 Weaning can be a reason for green baby stools.
White, red or black stools
White, red or black baby stools (apart from the meconium discussed above) are, however, a sign that you need to see a doctor.
Conclusion
You know everything there is to know about baby stools, which are often a topic of question and even concern for new parents. Regardless of their texture or color (with the exception of white, red, or black stools, as we just saw), if your baby is healthy and thriving, you have nothing to worry about.
And, if you have any doubts, the healthcare professional who is monitoring your baby is there to answer your questions; they remain the first person to contact for advice.
To your testimonies!
Come tell us your story and share your experience at contact@biostime.fr or by private message on Instagram@biostimefr .
*infant milk, mixed breastfeeding or breastfeeding relay
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/
