Your baby’s feelings of discomfort might depend on whether her digestive system is okay. That said, infant stool varies from baby to baby, day to day. Stool can be yellow, green, or brown, with consistency from applesauce to play dough, and still be considered normal.
We can help you recognize the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, and learn how you can help her feel better.
Baby diarrhea
When your baby’s stool suddenly becomes softer and more frequent, she might have diarrhea caused by an infection, or an inability to properly digest certain nutrients in her food.
When should you sound the alarm?
If the diarrhea becomes excessive in frequency or volume, or if you notice any of the following symptoms, call your pediatrician or healthcare professional:
- Blood or mucus in stools
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Refusal to eat
- Decreased or dark-colored urine
- Decreased activity
What treatment should you try?
If her diarrhea continues or worsens, talk to your healthcare professional.
Baby constipation
Several factors can lead to your baby becoming constipated, having difficulty passing stool, passing stool that is hard and dry, or having bowel movements less frequently than usual:
Eating solid foods for the first time
It’s possible that some of the foods you feed your baby for the first time — such as rice cereal and oatmeal — don’t provide enough fiber to promote regular poops.
Dehydration
Her body, when not properly hydrated, absorbs fluids from whatever she eats and drinks, including fluid from waste.
Illness or other medical conditions
Some babies develop diseases or have underlying medical conditions that result in chronic constipation. Check with your doctor if your baby has difficulty passing stools.
What can you do to ease your baby's constipation?
Exercise her legs to break up the hardened stools in her bowels, or gently massage her stomach if symptoms continue.
Do not give your baby over-the-counter stool softeners unless advised by your pediatrician or healthcare professional.
