Baby Poop Odor: What's Typical and When to Be Concerned

By TS Lustgarten , Parent Herald Nov 01, 12:13 am

Photo: (Photo : Michal Bar Haim on Unsplash)

If you're a new parent, the chances are high that you've become surprisingly invested in the contents and smell of your baby's diaper. While it may have been unimaginable to you pre-baby, it's entirely natural for parents to be concerned about every aspect of their baby's health, and that includes their poop. Understanding the typical scents and when to be alarmed can provide peace of mind and clarity.

1. The First Poop: Meconium

Odor: Virtually Odorless

Newborns excrete a sticky, greenish-black substance called meconium in the first few days of life. This tar-like poop is made up of materials the baby ingested while in the womb, like amniotic fluid, mucus, and skin cells. Typically, meconium doesn't have a strong smell. If you notice a foul odor from meconium, it's a good idea to mention it to your pediatrician.

2. Breastfed Baby Poop

Odor: Slightly Sweet or Musty

Breastfed baby poop usually has a mustard-yellow, green, or brown color. It may be runny and resemble mustard seeds. This type of poop has a mild smell, often described as slightly sweet or musty. If you're exclusively breastfeeding and your baby's poop has a surprisingly pungent or unpleasant smell, it might be worth discussing with a pediatrician.

3. Formula-fed Baby Poop

Odor: More Pungent than Breastfed Poop

Babies who drink formula have stools that are tan or brown. The consistency is a bit firmer than breastfed baby poop, but it still should be relatively soft. Formula-fed baby poop is notably more pungent than breastfed baby poop but shouldn't be overwhelmingly foul. If you're concerned about an unusually strong odor, it could be an indication of a digestive issue or intolerance to an ingredient in the formula.

4. Solid Food Transition

Odor: Varies Depending on Foods Introduced

As babies start to eat solid foods, their poop will change significantly. It will become thicker and more textured. The odor will also vary depending on the foods they are consuming. For instance, after eating foods like broccoli or fish, you might notice a stronger odor than when they eat fruits.

Signs of Concern

Excessively foul odor: While baby poop isn't known for smelling like roses, an excessively foul odor can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as an infection or intolerance.
Blood in the stool: A distinct metallic smell can occasionally indicate this. Blood can appear as red streaks or a black, tarry stool. Either way, it warrants immediate attention from a doctor.
Constant diarrhea: If the stool is consistently watery and has a rotten smell, it might be a sign of an infection or allergy.

When to Consult a Pediatrician

Always trust your instincts. If you're ever in doubt about the appearance or odor of your baby's poop, don't hesitate to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on whether what you're observing is typical or if further evaluation is necessary.

The world of baby poop is a colorful and smelly one, but understanding the norms and the red flags can ensure your baby's health and your peace of mind.

Remember, each baby is unique, and so is their poop. Monitoring changes and staying in touch with your pediatrician is the best way to ensure your little one's digestive health is on the right track.