For new parents, it is a daunting task to deal with baby poop. You rush through the diaper change, wearing a grimace on your face and holding your breath. Sometimes, you will notice that baby’s poo varies in color, consistence and regularity. But some parents notice their baby poops after every nurse? Is it something to worry about?
Is It Normal If Your Baby Poops After Every Feeding?
Yes, this is normal! Some babies poop every three days, while others poo after every feeding. It is common for your baby to poop every time he/she feeds if you are breastfeeding. It is a sign that your child is getting plenty of milk which stimulates the digestive tract and leads to the urge to poo.
During the first weeks, your baby may poop after every feeding. This reduces as he/she settles into a pooping routine after the first weeks. But since all children are different, don’t be alarmed if you are still changing diapers after every feed.
Babies on formula feeding poo less often. This is because formula milk is not as easily digested as breast milk. Their poop is also a lot smellier. But it is still possible that your baby poops after every nurse, especially in the first few weeks.
When to Worry
You don't need to worry that your baby poops after every feeding. The important thing is that your baby can pass poop easily and the poop is soft. However, it should be a cause for concern if you notice the following:
- Poop is thin and runny.
- Baby poops more often than usual.
- Baby spurts poo.
If your baby exhibits these symptoms, she may be having diarrhea caused by:
- An allergic reaction caused by either food or medication
- An infection
- Ingesting too much fruit or juice
Baby diarrhea should clear up within 24 hours. If it doesn’t, consult your doctor because your baby runs the risk of getting dehydrated.
Other Mothers' Experience
It is normal in the first few months. My son used to poop after every feed, but my pediatrician assured me that it was totally normal. She said it is a sign that he is getting plenty of milk. He is four and half months now and poops once every two days and sometimes four days, which is still normal. Just make sure to change his diapers early to avoid diaper rash which is just no fun.
My three-month-old pooped 6-10 times a day. At first, I thought when baby poops after every feeding, she could be having diarrhea. But her doctor said that as long as she is not losing weight and is feeding well and has no fever, she should be okay. I changed her diapers like crazy for a month! At least now she poops 1-2 times a day. I am so glad she is over it!
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Poop
1. Babies Don’t Poop for Several Days
From four weeks onwards, your baby’s bowel movements should have settled to a routine and reduced as well. Breastfed babies may go from several days to a week without having a bowel movement. You have nothing to worry about. Babies who are breastfed exclusively rarely constipate. But if your baby goes for more than a week without pooping and seems to be in discomfort, you may want to call your pediatrician.
Formula-fed babies are likely to experience constipation although the frequency of their bowel movement transitions just like their breastfed counterparts. The stool should be soft, and they usually have about one bowel movement in a day. If you notice that the poop is hard and pellet-like, and your baby has gone for two or three days without pooping, you should call your pediatrician.
2. Babies Grunt and Cry When They Poop
It is quite normal for your baby to grunt when he/she is pooping. Some babies even cry or turn red when passing stool! Your baby will soon get used to his/her bodily functions, and there is no cause for concern.
3. Babies Have Black Poop
Expect dark-colored or black poop if your baby is on iron supplements. On the other hand, intestinal bleeding can cause the poop to be black; so if your baby is not on iron supplements and produces a black tarry poop, you should consult your doctor.
4. There Is Blood in Babies' Poop
Tiny streaks of blood in your baby’s poop is not that serious, but be sure to consult your doctor anyway. If the stool contains a bloody mucous substance, you should call your doctor immediately. If your baby appears to be in pain and the blood in the stool doesn’t go away, call your doctor right away.
Some causes of blood in stool include:
- Anal fissures – Tiny cuts around the anus can result in small streaks of blood in the stool.
- Reaction to food – If your baby’s tummy is sensitive to certain foods, e.g. dairy products, you will notice a blood stained mucousy stool.
- Severe diaper rash – Diaper rash where the skin breaks down will result in streaks of blood in baby’s stool.
5. Babies Have Very Pale Poo
Whether baby poops after every feeding or not, pale poo may be an indicator of jaundice, which may also cause the white part of the eyes and skin to become yellowish. Jaundice clears up within the first couple of weeks after birth. Make sure your doctor knows about this as well even if it appears to be fading away.
Very pale, chalky white stool may be an indication of liver problems. Notify your doctor immediately, especially if jaundice has persisted for more than two weeks.