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How often should my baby poop (poo)?
In the first week, your baby should have a least 1 - 2 poops per day. This pattern should continue up until about 6 weeks of age. After 6 - 8 weeks, some babies, particularly breast-fed babies, can poop after every feed and that's normal, while some babies, including breast-fed babies, only poop every few days and that's normal. Formula-fed babies often have less frequent and less liquid poops than breast-fed babies - that's normal. So you can see that what is normal includes a wide range - if your baby is growing and contented and pooping at least once every week, there probably isn't anything to be worried about.Is it normal for my baby to squirm around when he poops?
A baby will often squirm around and screw up his face when he poops. He is just helping his bowels move. Drawing up the legs puts him more in a squatting position that makes it easier to poop. It doesn't mean he has a problem or is in pain. As long as he is pooping and is growing, don't worry too much.Is it normal for my baby's poop to be pale in color?
If your baby has very pale stools (poop) - like a cream or beige, this is not normal. Speak to your health care nurse or doctor, particularly if your baby is jaundiced and has dark urine - he may have a blockage in the bile system.If your baby has mustard color stools (poop), you shouldn't have to worry.
What does it mean if there is blood in the baby poop (poo)?
Blood in the stool in an otherwise well baby is not serious - it doesn't mean cancer or anything worrying. If it is only a small amount of blood occasionally, there is no need to do anything. If your baby is not well in other ways or has a large amount of bleeding from the rectum, see your doctor. Causes of blood in baby poop include:- constipation - if the poop is very hard and dry, your baby may be a bit constipated. To read about baby constipation, click here
- blood coming from your cracked nipple (even if you can't see it) - if the poop seems normal and you have a breast-fed baby, this is the most likely cause. You don't need to worry - just keep feeding as usual.
- intussusception - this is a condition where there is a blockage of the bowel and you do need to see a doctor. Babies with intussusception have bouts of crying where they characteristically draw up their legs. To read more on intussusception, click here
- cow's milk protein intolerance (allergy)- if this is the cause, it is likely that your baby will have other symptoms as well (for example, irritibility, poor weight gain, vomiting) - see your doctor if your baby is unwell in himself and has blood in his poop.
What causes a blood stain on the diaper (nappy) when there is no poop (poo)?
Occasionally, in the first few days, you may see what looks like a blood stain on the nappy even when there is no baby poop. If it is red and you have a baby girl, it is probably some vaginal bleeding caused by the effect of your hormones on her body (her body has been used to them being around and now they are not)- it is nothing to worry about. It will settle down over the first few weeks. If the staining is more orange / pink, it is probably due to urate crystals in the urine. They usually go within a few days and are nothing to worry about.What causes an orange stain on the diaper (nappy)?
Orange or pink stains are due to urate crystals in the urine. They are nothing to worry about and will disappear within a few days. back to top
To read about what baby poop is like in constipation, click here
To read more about blood in the stool (poop, poo), click here
To go to the Newborn Baby problem page, click here
To return to the Home page, click here
Last reviewed 4 December 2007
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