Let's Talk About Poop Baby ...

If there is one thing that's always on your mind, it's baby poo. I mean, who knew that someone so tiny could produce so much of it, am I right? Whether it's the frequency, the color, or the texture, you want to know it all.

Well, guess what? All babies are different, and that's okay! Some little ones poop every time they feed, while others may go days without a poop. Don't freak out just yet; it's all completely normal.

The type of poo your baby produces can depend on their age, whether they are breast or formula-fed, or if they have started eating solids. But certain types of poo could be an indication that your little one might be ill or that something is missing from their diet.

As your newborn starts to settle into a routine, you'll soon start recognizing patterns in their feeding, sleeping, and, of course, nappy changing. And let me tell you, new parents are usually quite surprised by the variety of colors they find in their baby's nappy.

Oh, and don't get me started on the first poo! You might be a bit shocked by what comes out of your baby, but don't worry; it's just 'meconium,' a sticky, greenish black poo that looks like tar. It's perfectly normal and should only take a day or two for your baby's poo to turn a different color. However, if your little one continues to have black or very dark poo after 4 to 5 days, it's essential to speak to your doctor.

Now, listen up, because your baby's poo can tell you a lot about their health. During their first 6 weeks of life, both breast-fed and formula-fed babies will have poo that is either yellow or green. Breast-fed babies tend to have softer, runnier poo, while formula-fed baby poo is a little bit firmer. And don't be surprised if you find a bit more variety in the nappy if you're a breastfeeding mum because your diet and any medication you take can affect your baby's poo.

And parents, let's not forget the varying shades of green that can appear in your baby's nappy. Breast-fed babies can produce bright, frothy green poo because they are getting too much foremilk, or because you are swapping breasts during feeds. Try feeding from one breast at a time until the breast is drained to make sure your baby is getting the rich hindmilk. If your formula-fed baby's poo is green, it could mean they are getting a lot of iron in their feed, and you might need to adjust which formula you use.

Now, when you start to introduce solids to your baby's diet, you'll notice a change both in color and texture. The color tends to be more of a greenish brown to orange, depending on the type of food your baby eats. So don't be surprised if their poo is almost the same color as pureed carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potato.

And, folks, most babies will go through about 6 to 8 nappies a day – that's almost 3,000 in your baby's first year! So, get those wipes and diapers ready.

But, hey, let's get serious for a minute. Because babies can't tell you when they're sick, it's important not only to check their nappies but to take note of other behaviors that could be a sign that your baby is unwell. Constipation is a common concern among new parents, and it's normal for your baby to go for a few days without doing a poo as long as it's soft. If your baby has hard and dry poo, poo that is firm and pebble-like, if you notice persistent blood in your baby’s poo, it's important to seek medical attention since it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Baby poo is a topic that new parents often find themselves discussing. While it may seem daunting at first, it's important to remember that every baby is different, and their poo can vary in color, texture, and frequency depending on various factors such as their age, feeding habits, and overall health. As a parent, it's essential to pay attention to your baby's poo, as it can be an indicator of their overall health. If you have any concerns about your baby's poo or notice any significant changes, don't hesitate to seek advice from your doctor or child health nurse. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby's health.