Advice History

is it normal for my 6 month old to have grey poop?

Parents: Ask a question or write an answer

Is it really OK that my baby's poop is green?

That green stuff that you get in the first couple of days is quite a shocker, but after that, the best attitude toward this issue is that it's only natural. Just take it as it comes.  Sometimes parents can really freak out over a baby not pooping enough or often enough. But if the baby is growing and gaining weight and alert and active ... you shouldn't spend your time worrying about baby poo.

What does my newborn's poop look like tar?

From a more medical standpoint, according to "The Baby Book" by William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, RN, that tar-like poop called meconium is a result of amniotic-fluid debris from the baby's intestines and should pass within twenty-four hours. If your baby doesn't have this stool within twenty-four hours, you should consult your doctor.

My Infant never had Meconium poop and now she is a month old and it looks like tar, like meconium, is this normal or is something wrong?

How's the poop different in breast-fed and bottle-fed babies?

Breast-fed babies tend to poop more often than bottle-fed babies only because breast milk has a natural laxative which results in more frequent, softer stools. It goes without saying that babies cannot control when they poop so beware that there might come a time when you are changing your tot and an explosive stool will shoot out without warning leaving you with quite a mess to clean up!

What if my baby is constipated?

 

For many new parents, when their child comes down with something like constipation, their first reaction is to do what comes naturally -- call their parents for advice. While Grandma and Grandpa are always wonderful people to turn to, sometimes their advice on what worked for them way back when may not always be what the doctor would advise today. Remedies such as mineral oil, water enemas and suppositories should always be discussed with your child's doctor before they are used. If the doctor OKs the suggested treatment, thank your parents for their loving advice.

 

Is it normal for my 3 week old baby to not have a stool for five days?

 

It can be normal, both for breastfed and formula fed babies. Formula can be constipating to some babies, and a baby can go five days or more without a stool. Breastfed babies can also go several days between stools because breastmilk is so easily digested that there is very little waste left over. If your baby seems uncomfortable, fussier than normal, or has a distended or hard abdomen, call your pediatrician. In those cases, your baby might need help passing stool.