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Home › Articles › General Health › Tummy Trouble?

Tummy Trouble?

A Guide to Your Newborn's Digestive System

By Jennifer Lacey

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The bowel movements of breastfed versus bottle-fed newborns are different from each other, varying in consistency, color and odor. Around the third week after birth, mothers who breastfeed their newborns will notice they are passing stools that appear to be orange-yellow in tint and have a sweet-sour smell, much like warm milk.

Babies who are exclusively bottle-fed during this same stage of life will pass stools that are pale brown, more solid in texture and that contain a strong odor. "Until solid foods are started, the stool consistency is usually soft to slightly runny," says Dr. Sacks.

Problem Signs
There are tell-tale signs to look for in your newborn's diaper that might indicate a problem. Mucus and/or blood may be found in the stool of some infants. According to Dr. Hochman, mucus may be a normal find in the diaper or it may be an indication of inflammation of the intestines. "Typically, when there is inflammation, diarrhea is also present," he says.

At times, blood found in the stools may be due to a small tear (known as a fissure) near your baby's anus. However, both Dr. Hochman and Dr. Sacks agree that blood found in the stool may also indicate a serious problem, particularly during the first month of life. "In the newborn, some of the reasons (for bloody stools) may include swallowed maternal blood, bleeding disorders, infection or inflammation of the intestines," says Dr. Sacks.

Dr. Hochman and Dr. Sacks say if a parent should find either blood or mucus in an infant's stools, they should contact their pediatrician immediately.

Digestive Disorders
There are several kinds of conditons or disorders of the digestive tract that can affect your newborn. They include:

Gastroenteritis

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