
Stools
A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell. The colour changes to yellowish-brown over the next few days. Green stools are not a problem unless the baby loses his appetite and develops a temperature with diarrhoea, or starts to vomit.
- For the first 6–8 weeks, a healthy newborn usually has 3–5 stools a day.
- A change in the stools may occur temporarily when introducing alternative feeds. They may smell offensive.
Constipation
Normal but infrequent stools do not indicate constipation. A baby is constipated only if the consistency of the stool appears to be hard, dry and pellet-like.
- Gently massage the baby’s abdomen.
- Exercise his legs.
- Allow free kicking(Leg exercises: Place your baby flat on his back, Grasp ankles and flex knees till they press on abdomen, straighten out. Repeat.).
- Consult your healthcare professional.
- Give additional clean, boiled and cooled-down water after feeds.
- Avoid using laxatives, unless prescribed by your doctor.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent, loose stools, sometimes green with an offensive odour, and more than six stools in 24 hours, which may be streaked with blood or contain excess mucus.
- If you suspect your baby has diarrhoea, increase his fluid intake, but continue feeding as normal.
- Give him a rehydration mixture in small amounts between feeds.
- Consult your doctor, as dehydration in babies is serious, especially if diarrhoea is accompanied by vomiting.
Related articles

Postnatal exercise progressions
Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.
5 mins to read

Baby Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n
2 mins to read

Baby’s temperature
The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.
5 mins to read

Getting baby to Sleep & fighting fatigue
Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.
5 mins to read

Hospital stay and going home
The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications.
1 min to read

Your body
After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.
4 mins to read

Check-up
A general physical and gynaecological examination is advised 4–6 weeks after delivery to assess your recovery and the return of your body to its non-pregnant state.
1 min to read

Baby bottle feeding equipment
you have decided to bottle feed your baby
1 min to read

Rashes
A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.
5 mins to read



Breastfeeding Videos
A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and b
5 mins to read



Schedule and routines
Routines are difficult to establish with a new baby. You may feel as if your life revolves around the insatiable needs of your baby.
5 mins to read

Possible problems
If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your docto
5 mins to read

Returning to Work From Maternity Leave
Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family.
4 mins to read

Becoming a parent
Becoming a parent is full of Excitement
The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment.
1 min to read

At Six Weeks
Your baby will smile deliberately, especially for his parents. He can hold his head up momentarily, and focus on and follow moving objects.
5 mins to read