Your baby’s stools will go through many changes over the first few months, especially once you start to introduce solids but the most obvious changes will be in the first few weeks of their life.

The first few days

In the first few days after birth your baby will pass meconium - a sticky, greenish-black substance, which is difficult to wipe off. Passing meconium shows that your baby’s bowels are working normally.

Once all the meconium has worked its way through your baby’s system, their stools will change.

A change in your baby’s stools

Diarrhoea, constipation or blood-streaked stools are not normal for your baby to have continuously but if they occur just once, they might be symptoms of something quite simple. If you’re worried, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional.

• Any kind of small tummy bug, medication, teething or sensitivity to food can cause diarrhoea and this should clear up without treatment within 24 hours. If not, speak to your doctor.
• Constipation can be caused by a number of things including a change of diet, dehydration or a minor illness like a cold. Follow our tips to relieve your baby's constipation.
• Streaks of blood can sometimes appear in your baby’s stools if they’ve got or have had constipation and have been straining too hard, but it’s always best to get this checked out by your doctor just in case.

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