Tummy Troubles

Concerned about how often your newborn is pooing, or that it’s a bit runny? Don’t worry, it’s probably all normal

NEWBORN BABIES CAN’T very easily tell their parents if they’re experiencing discomfort or pain, because language only develops much later on. As a result, new parents often puzzle over the cause of their children’s cries, with many a parent eventually claiming that they can, thanks to experience, accurately identify the difference between a hungry cry and a tired sobbing session (don’t worry, this skill comes with time). But the contents of your child’s nappies could help you understand what the matter is, while also helping you feel reassured that they are on the right track to healthy development.

THE FIRST TIME

Don’t be shocked when you change your baby’s nappy for the very first time. You can expect to discover a black- to dark-green-colored, sticky stool in that nappy. But take heart – it probably won’t smell bad at all. Known as meconium, this stool is composed of amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells and other substances that were ingested by your baby during their time in the womb.

THE FIRST WEEK

During the first week of your baby’s life, her stools will start to lighten up in colour, as she ingests breast milk. Lighter-colored stools are a great sign – they mean your baby’s digestive system is working well. It’s also quite common for breastfed babies to have more fluid-like stools than formula-fed babies, so keep that in mind when you’re changing nappies.

“There is a range of normal stool patterns in newborns. In general, a newborn may pass up to one stool in one day or, on the other hand, one stool per three days may also be normal in an otherwise healthy baby,” says Durban-based specialist pediatrician Dr. Nelandra Chetty.