Newborn Stools

After birth, Infants will have dark, tarry, sticky stools called meconium for 3 to 5 days. As feeding is established, the stools will gradually lighten. Normal infant stools are the color and consistency of guacamole or seedy dijon mustard. In the first two weeks of life, I view stools as a sign the child is well hydrated and getting milk. If the mother of a breast fed newborn calls and reports her child has not stooled in 24 to 48 hours, my immediate concern is that the child is not getting adequate nutrition. On the other hand if a well grown and non-fussy 3 week old has not stooled in 2 to 3 days, I would typically observe them for an additional 48 more hours before taking action.

Pooping every other day

We live in Arizona our average temperature during the summer is 106 ⁰. I have a 3 wk old infant boy. I am breast feeding.  He does not have a daily bowel movement. He has a lot of gas. (... more on Pooping every other day)

Baby Cries and Turns Red to Stool

For the past couple of days when my 10 day old has a bowel movement, it seems to hurt.  He scream/cries, turns bright red, kicks his legs & squirms.  His stools are still soft and slightly seedy.  Any ideas on (... more on Baby Cries and Turns Red to Stool)

Written April 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Windermere Pediatrician