Is it normal for breastfed baby poop to smell bad?

Understanding Breastfed Baby Poop: Is a Bad Smell Normal?
When it comes to the bowel movements of breastfed babies, parents often have a myriad of questions, particularly regarding the smell. Many expect that breastfed baby poop will be relatively mild or even sweet-smelling, but this isn’t always the case.
What to Expect from Breastfed Baby Poop
Breastfed babies typically produce poop that is softer and more liquid than that of formula-fed infants. The color can range from yellow to green, and the texture is often described as seedy or curdy. However, the smell can vary significantly. While some parents report that their breastfed baby’s poop has a pleasant or neutral odor, others find it can be quite pungent.
The perception of smell can be subjective. A common sentiment among parents is that breastfed baby poop doesn’t smell as bad as that of formula-fed babies, which is often described as more foul. However, this is not a universal truth. Factors such as the mother’s diet can influence the odor of breast milk and, consequently, the baby’s poop. For instance, a diet high in certain foods, particularly those rich in salt or spices, may lead to a stronger smell in the baby’s stool.
When to Be Concerned
While some odor is normal, particularly if the baby is transitioning to solid foods, there are instances when a strong or unusual smell could indicate a problem. For example, if the poop has a particularly foul odor reminiscent of vinegar or fish, it may warrant a discussion with a pediatrician. Additionally, if the baby exhibits other symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in the stool, or signs of discomfort, these could be indicators of an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is common for breastfed baby poop to have a range of smells, a notably bad odor can sometimes be a cause for concern. Parents should monitor their baby’s bowel movements and consult with a healthcare provider if they notice any significant changes or have concerns about the smell. Ultimately, every baby is different, and what is normal for one may not be for another.

What foods give breastfed babies diarrhea?

Breastfed Babies
Cow’s milk, chocolate, gassy foods, spicy foods, and caffeine are the foods most likely to trigger a problem. You may have to evaluate your diet to try to figure out if something that you’re eating could be causing your baby’s diarrhea.

What does baby poop look like with a milk allergy?

Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops.

How to tell if a breastfed baby has diarrhea?

Diarrhea in Breastfed Babies: How to Tell

1. Diarrhea in a breastfed baby is sometimes hard to tell.
2. Normal breastfed stools are loose (often runny and seedy).
3. Breastfed babies often pass more than 6 stools per day.
4. If the stools contain mucus, blood or smell bad, this points to diarrhea.

Why does my breastfed baby poop smell so bad?

Smelling baby poop
If your baby’s poop is especially foul-smelling, however, it might mean they’re allergic to something they’ve eaten. If a strong odor persists over several days, it’s best to contact your child’s pediatrician and see if an allergy test is necessary.

What does unhealthy baby poop look like?

Poop abnormalities
Color: A blackish stool or greenish stool or reddish stool with or without mucous (normal stool is yellowish). Quantity: Too much or too little. Presence of worms in stool, presence of a foreign body in stool, frothy stools, etc. The baby passes lots of gas and yet seems uncomfortable.

What does milk allergy poop smell like?

If your child seems excessively gassy and it has a foul odor, it may be a sign of a cow milk allergy, especially when it is in combination with some of these other symptoms.

Is it normal to smell bad while breastfeeding?

Milk production
“A change in a postpartum scent helps direct a baby toward for breastfeeding,” adds Dr. Alagia. In fact, during breastfeeding, people can excrete different pheromones—mix that with a baby’s saliva, and it can cause an odor that may be new and unfamiliar to the lactating person.

How to tell if a breastfed baby is sensitive to dairy?

It is common for breastfeeding parents to blame their diet when the baby is more fussy than usual. However, it is important to note that usually if a baby has an intolerance to a food you are consuming, there will be another sign of distress such as rash, forceful spit up, or blood or mucous in the baby’s stool.

Does poop smell different when breastfeeding?

As your milk supply increases, the bowel movements turn yellow and seedy. As long as your baby is getting only breast milk, the stool may have a sweeter smell. If formula is introduced, or when foods are started, parents may notice the poop has a stronger odor and, the appearance changes in color and consistency.

When should I worry about breastfed baby poop?

If you see blood in the stool, call your pediatrician. The other color to be concerned about in newborn poop is white. This can indicate a problem with their stomach enzymes. It’s also a reason to call your pediatrician.