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Bathroom Business

Knowing what to expect and when to be concerned

Understanding the ins and outs of your baby's bathroom business 

Meconium

Meconium is your baby's first stool and consists of substances your infant ingested in utero. It is extremely thick (tar-like), very dark in color, and difficult to clean from the skin. Infants generally pass meconium over the first day or two of life. Expect your baby's poop to turn a greenish brown color around day 3-4. 

(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014)

Breastfed Babies

What is normal? 

Stool 

Color 

  • mustardy yellow 

Consistency 

  • runny, seedy, and pasty

Frequency

  • days 1-5 of life

    • Approximately  1 for every day of life ​(2 days old- 2 bowel movements)

  • after day 5 of life

    • Approximately 5 per day

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Urine

Color 

  • medium to dark yellow

Frequency

  • at least 6-8 times per day and up to 20 times per day 

Stool

Color 

  • pale yellow, tan, light brown, slightly green

Consistency 

  • thick with a similar consistency to peanut butter

Frequency

  • approximately 3-4 per day

Urine

Color 

  • medium to dark yellow

Frequency

  • at least 6-8 times per day and up to 20 times per day 

Adopted from Methodist Hospital: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, San Antonio, Texas.

Changing Diapers

 

  • Frequently change your baby's diaper throughout the day to avoid diaper rashes and skin irritation

  • Diaper rash ointment and creams may be applied to create a protective barrier for your baby's skin 

  • AVOID baby powder, as it may cause lung damage, breathing difficulty, and choking

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(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014)

Formula Fed Babies

What is normal? 

When to be Concerned

Seek guidance from your pediatrician if you see any of the following

 

  • Stool

    • Contains blood​ or large amounts of mucus/water 

    • Is thick and black after 3 months of age 

    • Red and chalky

    • White or grey

  • Urine

    • Contains blood

  • If your baby

    • Shows signs of distress during urination or defecation 

    • Has a severe diaper rash that does not resolve in a couple of days or is accompanied with a fever

    • Has hard stools and he/she strains to pass them

The information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care or advice from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may have specific recommendations based on your child's individual circumstances. 

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Caring for your baby and young child birth to age 5. 6th edition. 

 

Bladder & Bowel UK. (2017). Understanding constipation in infants and toddlers. Retrieved from https://www.bbuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Understanding-childhood-constipation-in-Infants-and-Toddlers.pdf.

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