Essential guide to baby poo

Runny poo

Many parents wonder if their baby has diarrhoea because bowel movements in a newborn tend to occur frequently. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration which can become serious, therefore if the problem persists it is important to seek advice from your GP or health visitor.

Your baby's ordinary bowel movements will depend very much on whether he/she's being breast or formula-fed. The bowel movements of breast-fed newborn babies are usually yellowish, on the soft or liquid side and may occur up to five times daily. Within a month, most breast-fed babies are down to one or two bowel movements a day. The bowel movements of formula-fed babies tend to occur once a day and are fairly firm.

Occasional loose stools are normal. If your baby begins frequently passing smelly, watery, mucus-streaked stools (looking like you blew your nose in your child's nappy) - as much as a bowel movement per feed after the first month - or if he/she has a fever or appears to be losing weight, it may be diarrhoea, so consult your GP or health visitor.

Although breast-fed babies are somewhat protected from gastro-enteritis (a cause of diarrhoea) they are not immune, so it's important to get it checked out if you are concerned.

Diarrhoea, as well as constipation in babies can also be caused by formula feeds not being made up properly, so follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely and double check instructions when changing from one brand to another as they can vary - and so can scoop size!! Always use the scoop provided.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.