It is important to know the color and texture of a baby’s poop in order to determine if the baby is doing well and when to consult the best pediatric doctor in Dubai. A newborn’s poop is very different from the poop of adults, both in color and texture. It is natural for a baby’s poop to change color and consistency during their first few months due to changes in their diet, age, and health. Even though most changes in a baby’s poop color are not cause for concern, sometimes these changes may indicate an underlying health issue.
This article will guide you through various colors and textures of baby poop and how to know when to see the best pediatrician in Dubai.
Poop Color Chart
You can go through the flowing poop chart when in doubt related to your baby’s health:
#1. Black
In newborns younger than 1 week, their stool color can be black to blackish-green. It is normal for babies to have black stools in the first few days of their lives. This black stool is known as meconium, it normally has a tar-like consistency and is composed of cells, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and also water. Since it is sterile, it does not stink. Also, during the first 24 to 48 hours of new life, babies will pass meconium.
After one week, if the black stool color persists, you should consult your doctor. This could mean that the baby is bleeding in his or her digestive system.
#2. Mustard Yellow
Mustard yellow-colored poop is normal for babies who drink breast milk. It might also be seedy in appearance and have small flecks in it. The flecks come from breast milk. These are harmless so there is no need to worry.
#3. Bright Yellow
All shades of yellow poop, whether mustard or bright one, are considered normal in babies. A bright yellow color can be seen in breastfed or formula-fed babies.
#4. Brown or Orange
Orange or brown-colored poop is normal in babies who are on formula feed. It is the digestive juices, bile secretions, and gut bacteria where both colors come from. A baby drinking formula tends to have light brown or orange-colored poop. Also, they might be slightly darker and firmer than breastfed babies’ stools.
#5. Green
It has been seen that many babies occasionally have green-colored poop and it is usually normal. The reason for the green poop might be because of the consumption of green leafy vegetables. Another possible cause might be slow digestion, a cold or stomach bug, treatment for jaundice, antibiotics, or food allergy. In such cases, it is important to visit a pediatric clinic in Dubai and consult a doctor. If your baby is putting on weight and also seems content, then green poop is not necessarily a cause of concern.
In case you have any concerns about what you’re feeding your baby, you can consult a nutritionist in Dubai to guide you.
#6. Red
Red is not considered a healthy poop color for babies. Usually, poop becomes red due to the bleeding of the lower gastrointestinal tract. If there is bleeding somewhere in the middle of the gastrointestinal tract then the baby’s poop color can be maroon. In addition to this, the red poop color could be because the baby might have swallowed a small amount of blood. However, it has been reported that 90% of red stools are not caused by blood. Many medicines and solid foods also cause red poop.
#7. White
Since white poop is rare, it is not a healthy color for stool. It may be caused due to absence of bile indicating a liver problem. Also, white stools might indicate a rare disorder called biliary atresia, a condition in infants in which the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are scarred and blocked.
If a baby is suffering from jaundice even after 14 days then the poop color will be pale or white suggesting liver disease. Therefore, in such a case immediately contact the best pediatrician in Dubai and consult for treatment.
#8. Gray
Babies on a milky diet might have grayish poop. The color of baby poop can be gray because of many medicines, such as barium sulfate, and antacids with aluminum hydroxide. Also, babies suffering from biliary atresia might have gray stool. In such a case, consider consulting a doctor.
When to See a Doctor?
It is the baby’s poop that lets the parents know about the overall health of their newborn. As a baby grows, the color of poop changes simultaneously. For instance, when a baby starts eating solid food it might affect the color of the stool. Undigested food is also one of the reasons for the change in the poop’s color.
Unusual colors like green or gray are not a sign of good health and this is when you should see a doctor. The color of the stool may vary for a short duration and then return to its regular shade. If a lot of mucus is present or it appears in stool for a long time then this can be a sign of an illness.
You should see a pediatrician if your baby is suffering from diarrhea and constipation. Also, if there are any other signs, like vomiting, excessive crying, or fever, then there might be chances of infections and thus, visit a doctor.
Dehydration can take place due to moderate or severe diarrhea. Here mentioned are the signs of dehydration in babies:
- Less playful
- Less urination
- Fewer tears when crying
- Dry or patchy mouth
- Wrinkled skin
- Loose motions
- Sunken eyes
- Excessive sleepiness
- Sunken soft spot on the head
Final Thoughts!
Poop color is one of the easiest ways to keep track of a baby’s health. A stool that is quite soft and earthy in color is a healthy one. However, poop with colors red, white, or gray oftentimes indicates a health issue that requires the attention of a pediatrician. In addition to this, if babies older than one week are having black poop then the same is also a cause for concern. Overall, if your baby is gaining weight and seems content then a wide range of poop colors is considered healthy.
If your child’s poop color or texture is signaling something worrisome, ensure safe consultation and treatment at My Pedia Clinic. Book your consultation with one of the best pediatric dentists in Dubai.
