1. Changes in color of infant stool
1.1 Stool color in newborn period
During the neonatal period, the baby\’s stool appears black-green or dark green due to the discharge of meconium and maternal blood residues.
1.2 Stool color in infancy
As your baby gradually switches to breast milk or artificial feeding, the color of the stool will also change. Breastfed babies have yellow-green or golden stools; artificially fed babies have dark yellow or brown stools.
1.3 The color of stool after supplementary food is added
When your baby starts introducing solid foods, his or her digestion needs to adapt to the new food. Therefore, the stool may show varying degrees of changes, such as green, brown and yellow, etc.
2. Abnormal color of infant stool
2.1 Red
If your baby\’s stool appears bright red or has blood streaks, it may be caused by a rupture of the skin around the anus. However, if there is a large amount of blood or other symptoms such as diarrhea and fever, you need to seek medical treatment in time.
2.2 White or off-white
The baby\’s stool appears white or off-white, which may be caused by insufficient bile excretion. Prompt medical treatment is required at this time.
2.3 Black
If your baby\’s stool appears black, it may be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. Prompt medical attention is required.
2.4 Green
The baby\’s stool appears green, which may be caused by indigestion, infection, etc. If accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea and fever, you need to seek medical treatment in time.
3. How to judge whether the baby’s stool is normal
3.1 Frequency
Newborns should defecate 3-4 times a day; infants should defecate 1-2 times a day; the number of defecations per day may decrease after the addition of complementary foods.
3.2 Size
Under normal circumstances, your baby\’s stool should be moderately soft and hard and similar in shape to a banana.
3.3 Color
As mentioned above, the color of baby\’s stool will be different at different stages. However, if abnormal color occurs, you need to seek medical attention promptly.
4. How to help babies regulate their bowel movements
4.1 Adjustment of feeding methods
If the color of your baby\’s stool is abnormal, you can consider adjusting the feeding method. For breastfed babies, mothers need to pay attention to a balanced diet; for artificially fed babies, mothers can consider replacing formula milk powder.
4.2 Massage the abdomen
Appropriate massaging of the baby\’s abdomen can promote intestinal peristalsis and relieve constipation.
4.3 Give enough water
If your baby is constipated, you can give him enough water to help him defecate.
5. Conclusion
Baby stool color is an important indicator of digestive healthmark. Parents need to pay close attention to their baby\’s bowel movements and seek medical attention promptly to deal with abnormalities. At the same time, in daily life, you also need to pay attention to diet and living habits to help children maintain healthy digestion.
