Baby Bowel Problems

When you were single and childless, I'll bet you never imagined someday your baby's poop would be a frequent topic of conversation. And concern. New parents often worry their baby isn't having enough bowel movements, that her stools are unhealthy or that she's constipated. Before you speed dial your pediatrician, however, here's what every parent needs to know about baby bowel movements.

Black Stools

• Your baby's very first bowel movement may astonish you: It is black. However, this is perfectly normal. During the final stages of pregnancy, babies begin to collect amniotic fluid, dead skin cells and bile in their intestines. This is called "meconium" and it's what your baby's first bowel movement is made of.

  Most babies pass meconium within their first 12 hours outside of the womb. Since postponed meconium bowel movements can indicate a health problem, notify your pediatrician immediately.

Strangely Colored Stools

• Baby stools vary greatly in color, depending on what the child eats (or, if you're breastfeeding, what you eat). Typical colors include mustard, green and tan. Once your baby passes her meconium, if you see very dark brown or black stools, or stools that have some red, call your pediatrician right away.

Constipation

• By the time your baby is about a month old, his bowel movements will reduce in frequency, so don't fret that he's constipated.

  However, if your baby's stools are hard or look like pellets, or if your formula-fed baby goes more than three days without pooping, she may be constipated. (Grunting or crying while passing a stool is not a sign of constipation in babies; in fact, it's common in perfectly healthy infants.)

  Typical treatments for constipation include massaging the baby's stomach, adding more fruits and vegetables to his diet (if he eats solids), switching formulas, offering a tiny amount of apple juice, and carefully massaging the anus. Before treating your baby for constipation, consult your pediatrician.

Runny Stools

• It's also normal for baby poop--especially from breastfed babies--to look a little bumpy and runny, and this does not indicate your child is suffering from diarrhea.

Diarrhea

• If your baby has a stool that's looser than normal for that child, there's no need to worry. However, if he experiences a sudden change where he poops more often and the stools are looser, he may have diarrhea.

  The main problem with diarrhea is dehydration, so keep giving your baby breast milk or formula, as usual. Do not give babies ginger ale, athletic drinks (like Gatorade), juice or over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication. In some instances, your pediatrician may suggest giving your baby an electrolyte product, but these should only be used under a doctor's supervision.

  Call your pediatrician if your baby has diarrhea and vomits repeatedly, shows signs of dehydration (including no wet diaper for six or more hours and crying without tears), has dark stools or blood in his stools, or has a fever.