What to expect in the diaper

3 min read

Once solids start, poop changes. It gets thicker, darker and smellier, and it can show pieces of food such as skin, corn or seeds. That is normal and is often just food passing through.

Colors change with what your baby eats: beetroot can turn poop and even pee red, spinach can make it green, and iron-fortified foods can make it darker. If you are unsure, note what your baby ate.

Constipation is common with new foods. Offer water, prune, pear, and fiber-rich foods such as oats, peas and fruit. Iron itself is not usually the cause. A hard, dry poop that is painful to pass is worth a chat with your pediatrician.

Call your doctor promptly if you see blood in the poop, black or very pale stools, a swollen belly, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea or signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers.