What+are+the+normal+size%2C+shape%2C+consistency+and+frequency+of+the+stools+of+babies+and+toddlers%3F
The size, shape, consistency and frequency of the stools of babies can
be very variable.
The stools of babies are generally small and can range from soft and mushy to firm and formed.
The stools of babies are generally small and can range from soft and mushy to firm and formed.
The stools of breast fed babies are generally larger and softer than those of bottle fed babies.
Breast fed babies dirty their nappies more frequently (up to 5 or 6 times a day) than bottle fed babies (around twice a day) during the first four months of life. However some healthy breast fed babies can go for several days without passing a stool.
The colour, texture and frequency of the stools often change in bottle fed babies if the formula milk is changed.
When babies start solids their stools become more formed, darker and are passed less frequently (average twice a day). The stools may also become ‘smellier’.
Healthy toddlers generally open their bowels once a day and produce a soft stool of the size of a small sausage.
‘Bits of food’ are often to be seen in the stools of normal healthy toddlers.