As a parent, one of the things you're probably worried about is how often your three-month-old should poop. This is completely understandable because nobody wants to deal with diaper blowouts every few hours. So, in this article, we'll be discussing what's normal when it comes to a baby's bowel movements and some other interesting facts along the way.
The Dirty Truth About Your Baby’s Bowel Movements
For starters, let's address the elephant in the room: baby poop stinks! And there are different types of smelly poops that your little angel can produce. Here are some examples:
- Sweet smelling poop
- Acidic-smelling poop
- Poop that smells like rotten eggs (gross )
But what does each type indicate? They all depend on various factors like diet and health conditions.
Sweet Smelling Poop
If your little one produces sweet-smelling stool, congratulations! It means everything is working fine down under (literally). Breastfed babies tend to have sweet smelling yellowish or greenish stools since breastmilk doesn't have as much bile acid compared to formula milk which makes poop smell acidic.
However, if your child has an allergy or intolerance towards something they ate through breastfeeding or formula feeding their diarrhea may smell awfully foul instead due excess fermentation caused by undigested sugars within them akin to 'rotten fruit' (sounds fantastic).
Acidic-Smelling Poop
If your baby’s bowel movement smells sour – similar to vinegar– then it’s likely because too much lactose has remained unabsorbed from their formula/mother's milk which ferments during digestion causing gas build-up leading to foul 'explosions', aka flatulence according Dr. Jean Moorjani at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
If this persists regularly its recommended seeking medical advice just to ensure they have not developed lactose intolerance.
Poop That Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your baby’s poop smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, a few things could be the issue. This scent could indicate that their diet consists of macronutrients (proteins and fats) which may contain more sulfates than usual (of course, right?). The sulphuric compound compounds form when gut bacteria digest nutrients into waste and is reason behind its fetid odor.
Alternatively (and almost always ignored), bacterial overgrowth also forms as possible root cause if digestion difficulties persist resulting in an enzyme interaction between bowel bacteria and 'digesting' food responsible for such smells - lovely!
How Many Poops Should A Three-Month-Old Baby Have?
As we previously mentioned every poopy time can smell uniquely alarming but back to the top-priority question: how many times should a three-month-old baby go No. 2?
On average, babies at that age should be having about two bowel movements per day though some babies might even hit five while others only once every 4 days (no stress!).
It can vary depending on:
- Diet
- Activity level
- Genetics/ Geography/ Climate climates Let me break down each point a bit further;
Diet
Consumption of breast milk would require more frequent stools with balanced fibre included within diets which has been linked to bulkier healthy stool output as analysed by Dr Greyson & Roberts Veterinary Hospital In Texas USA. However, it's worth noting that formula-fed infants tend to deposit bulky chunks seemly less often compared to breast fed counterparts almost experiencing irritable bowel syndrome issues thus requiring excessive pellet-like feces stimulation coming from additives added during manufacture process (been there done that).
Though introducing solid foods results in considerable changes since incorporation increases solids intake while reducing frequency: one lone constipated movement every other day becomes less alarming. Notably, parents could try combinations of prunes/pears or pureed vegetables such as peas, spinach and avocado encourage regularity.
Activity Level
When not asleep newborns can be quite an energetic bunch coupled with sensory exploration leaving trainers tireless thus causing more frequent bowel movements granted they are well hydrated ensuring ultimate waste elimination levels were reached (AKA poop all day)
Genetics / Geographical Location / Climate
It's no secret that we come in different shapes and sizes. Similarly, climatic conditions in various countries do affect babies' digestive systems differently resulting in a noticeable difference when it comes to their poop at times undergoing colour variations as informed by Australian Child Health Specialist; Gereurd Roberts during one of his Podcast's on Early Parenting radio show. These factors merit consideration and without serious consequences should still put the concerned parent at ease.
The Danger Signs
It’s important to pay attention to your baby‘s bowels since lack of excretion is equally concerning than early hyper-movements. Some warning signs include:
- Lack of pooping for five days
- Presence blood, mucus or foul odor
- Vomiting
If you notice any combination of these symptoms take the child for medical check-up immediately.
Conclusion
Parenting isn't easy but thankfully there are plenty resources available if a particular challenge persists while raising infants. That said – hopefully after reading this article every instance pertaining 'poo situations', what's considered normal (and abnormal) will significantly reduce causing less, ahem... , accidents throughout parenting journeys focusing on whats truly enjoyable aiding overall wellbeing (stay positive).