From the Research
Normal stooling patterns in neonates vary widely, but breastfed infants typically have more frequent, softer, and more yellow-colored stools than formula-fed infants, as shown in a study of 600 healthy Dutch infants 1.
Stooling Patterns in Neonates
The stooling patterns of neonates can be influenced by their feeding type, with breastfed babies having a higher average daily defecation frequency than formula-fed infants 1.
- Breastfed infants have softer and more yellow-colored stools, whereas formula-fed infants have firmer and pale yellow to light brown stools.
- The defecation frequency of breastfed infants decreases significantly during the first 3 months, from 3.65 to 1.88 times per day, whereas no significant changes are observed in formula-fed infants 1.
- Green-colored stools in standard formula-fed infants should be considered normal, as 50% of stools of formula-fed infants were green-colored at the age of 3 months 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Newborns typically pass their first stool (meconium) within 24-48 hours after birth.
- Parents should be concerned if a newborn doesn't pass meconium within 48 hours, has white/clay-colored stools, bloody stools, or shows signs of constipation with hard, pellet-like stools.
- Stooling frequency normally decreases as the baby grows, with some breastfed babies stooling after each feeding initially, then potentially going several days without a bowel movement after 6 weeks of age.
- The study by 1 provides valuable insights into the defecation patterns of healthy infants, which can help parents and healthcare professionals understand normal stooling patterns and identify potential issues early on.