What to expect after the first few feedings? 

Solid foods come with more nutrients in a different form. These new foods may create stronger smelling or stinkier diapers. Your baby can sure change the smell of the room quickly.

First foods may cause constipation. Baby’s digestive tract is still learning how to break down and use these new foods. Constipation is when a baby cannot pass a bowel movement for a longer amount of time than is normal for your baby. 

Signs of Constipation (things are slow-going):

• Longer periods between bowel movements.
• Obvious pushing with no results.
• Sometimes babies will pass little pebbles of poop too.
• Bowel movement is hard and difficult to pass.
  
  Do not offer your baby juice if they are constipated. Juice is not appropriate for babies under 12 months old. You may cause more harm to your baby by offering juice.

To help move things along:

• Make sure your baby is getting some water to help move things along. You can introduce a cup, put a little water in their bottle, or use a dropper on the inside of their cheek.

• Try a warm bath. The temperature can often get things moving faster. 

• Add a new food like pureed prunes, peas, peaches, or pears.

• Gently massage their tummy or help them bicycle their legs.
  
  

If you have any questions or concerns about constipation, be sure to speak with your baby’s health care provider.

Did You Know?

"What’s considered normal at this stage of the game (and for months to come) ranges anywhere from one poop every several days to several poops every day."  ~HealthyChildren.org

Offering solid foods can affect all babies differently. Your baby may have several dirty diapers in a day. They may also go a few days without any poopy diapers. Both of these are normal when starting solid foods.  

Babies will have different looking dirty diapers after starting solid food. The poop may be more solid. It might also vary in color from diaper to diaper. If you offer a food that is red, you may see red in your baby’s poop. Do not be scared. Strawberries, beets, cherries, or tomatoes can all cause red in your baby’s poop or urine. This is normal. 

Many of the foods your baby eats may not digest completely. The diaper may contain foods you recognize from last night’s dinner!  

What to do if you are concerned?
If you have concerns or questions about your baby’s poop, contact your baby’s health care provider. They are there to support you and your baby and answer any questions that you have. Some guidance will help you and your baby feel better!