Parent's Guide to Infant Stools

Bowel movements-also called stools-vary from baby to baby in frequency, size, color and texture.  A few factors that may affect your infant's stools include feedings, illness and medication.  However, having some guidelines for what to expect can be helpful.  Keep in mind the information here is only a guide-if you have any questions or concerns, talk with your provider.

Breastfed Stools

Usually yellow, soft/loose, and sometimes seedy.  Breastfed infants tend to have more frequent stools than formula fed babies at least the first 2 months of life.  The number of stools per day usually decreases as the baby gets older.

Formula fed Stools

Typically firmer than breastfed stools.  The color varies-yellow, green and brown are all common.  There may be differences in your baby's stools depending on which formula you feed.  Formula without palm olein oil may produce softer stools, more like that of a breastfed infant.

Constipation

Stools that are one or more of the following:

-small and hard

-2-3 or more days apart

-painful or uncomfortable to pass.  Note:  Most babies strain and grunt during a bowel movement-these by themselves are not signs of constipation.

Diarrhea

More frequent, watery stools.  Occasional loose stools are not necessarily cause for alarm.  But diarrhea can cause dehydration, so call your baby's doctor if the problem persists.