Stool Patterns
Signs
- For the first few days after birth, most babies have one to several bowel movements each day.
- By the end of the second week, the number of daily stools may decrease.
- Stool patterns vary widely, from one stool after every feeding to one stool every few days.
- Breastfed babies may have more frequent stools than bottle-fed babies.
What To Know
- Babies may pass stools easily, or may fuss, grunt and turn red in the face while having a bowel movement. This is normal and is not constipation.
- Stools of a constipated baby are usually hard and difficult to pass.
- The stools may change in color.
- Breastfed babies generally have less constipation than formula-fed babies.
- Diarrhea stools are more frequent and may be loose/watery.
- Stools may be foul smelling or may contain mucus.
- Do not use home remedies for constipation or diarrhea.
Baby Stool Patterns
| Type | Characteristics | Time Frame |
| Meconium | Thick, tarry, dark green | Birth–2 days |
| Normal | Loose, green-brown to yellow-brown, seedy | 2–5 days |
| Breastfed | Mushy, golden-yellow, often after each feeding, odor similar to sour milk | After 5 days |
| Formula-fed | Firm, pasty, yellow-brown, strong odor | After 5 days |
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