One common concern among parents is how frequently their newborn baby should poop. The frequency of a newborn's bowel movements can offer valuable insights into their digestive health and feeding habits.

Each newborn’s poop schedule may vary, influenced by factors such as their age, diet (breast milk or formula), and overall health. So, how often should a newborn baby poop, and what are the signs that indicate something might be wrong with their stool?

Normal Frequency of Pooping in Newborns

Newborn babies typically go through more than five diapers a day during their first two weeks of life. It’s normal for babies to poop right after feeding.

Generally, breastfed babies tend to poop more frequently than those on formula. After breastfeeding, you may have to wait a bit before changing their diaper, as they may poop shortly afterward.

Here is an overview of the typical frequency of bowel movements in newborns:

First to Third Day

In the first 24-48 hours after birth, the baby will pass meconium. Meconium is the first stool, which is dark green or black, sticky, and odorless. It consists of substances the baby ingested in the womb.

At this stage, babies usually poop 1-2 times per day. If the baby hasn’t pooped within 48 hours after birth, it’s important to notify the doctor for an evaluation.

First Week

Once meconium is passed, the baby's stool becomes more liquid and takes on a greenish-yellow color. Babies who are breastfed tend to poop more frequently than those on formula because breast milk is easier to digest than formula.

First Month

As the baby’s digestive system matures, the frequency of bowel movements decreases. Breastfed babies usually poop 3-6 times a day at irregular intervals, while formula-fed babies tend to have more regular bowel movements, usually 1-2 times daily.

After One Month

By the time the baby is one month old, many will poop just once a day or even once a week. In breastfed babies, this is generally not a cause for concern as long as the baby’s weight gain is normal and there are no other symptoms, such as bloating, discomfort, or excessive crying.

Signs of Abnormal Baby Pooping

While there’s usually no need for concern about a newborn’s poop pattern, there are a few warning signs that could indicate a problem, including:

• The baby is constipated and cries during bowel movements.
• The baby has diarrhea more than 10 times a day.
• Blood in the baby’s stool.
• Significant and unexplained changes in bowel habits.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s stool frequency or pattern, it’s important to consult a doctor right away. You can also use the health consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available on both the App Store and Play Store.

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