Seedy baby poop is by far the most common type of poop seen in breastfed babies. This is so common that you’re bound to worry when you see a different texture.
However, there are only certain things that you need to be concerned about when it comes to your little one’s poop. A breastfed baby not having seedy poop is usually not something you need to be worried about.
In this article
Why Is Baby Poop Seedy In Breastfed Babies?
To understand why this is usually not a concern, you need to understand why babies have seedy poop. This is most commonly seen in infants that are breastfed, but formula-fed babies can have seedy poop too!
Those seeds that you see in bowel movements are not seeds at all. They are actually undigested milk fat.
Babies have underdeveloped digestive systems compared to the rest of us. This makes digesting certain things, like the milk fat found in breastmilk, more difficult for them.
This is why you may see the appearance of seeds or white chunks in your baby’s diaper when they are breastfed.
Reasons Why It Might Suddenly Not Be Seedy
If your little one previously had seedy bowel movements and no longer does, it can be concerning. If your other children did and your newest baby does not, that can also be concerning.
However, there are plenty of reasons why your little one might not have seedy bowel movements, even if they are breastfed.
You Simply Don’t See The Seeds
Breastfed babies that don’t appear to have seedy poop might still have seedy poop, but you don’t see it. As babies get older their poop will start to be more solid.
The undigested milk fat can be on the inside of the poop so it looks like it’s not there anymore. This is pretty common once babies start having more solid bowel movements.
You Don’t Have A Lot Of Milk Fat
The seeds are undigested milk fat. Some women have large amounts of milk fat while others do not. The less milk fat you have, the less seedy your baby’s bowel movements will appear to be.
Your little one might not have seedy poop because there aren’t a lot of seedy looking white chunks in it, which is perfectly normal.
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It Could Be Something You Ate
When you breastfeed, whatever you eat gets passed on to your little one. Sometimes, what you eat can affect the appearance of your little one’s bowel movements.
It can make them no longer appear seedy. You might also notice a change in color. The foods you eat can even affect the smell! (If it smells horrible, try laying off the dairy and see if it changes again.)
Starting Solid Foods
Babies tend to have more solid bowel movements, better digestive systems, and drink less breastmilk once they get started on solid foods.
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This all leads to them having bowel movements that are a little different than what you are used to. If your little one recently started eating solid food, it’s normal that their bowel movements have changed.
Breastfed Babies Don’t Have Consistent Poop
Most doctors say that it’s normal for breastfed babies to have watery bowel movements with a seed-like appearance. However, they might fail to mention that it’s normal for babies to have a variety of bowel movements.
They can differ in texture and color. It could be perfectly normal for bowel movements to have a seed-like appearance one day and a firmer appearance without seeds the next day.
When To Be, Or Not To Be, Concerned
As mothers, we know that our baby’s poop can tell us a lot about them. It can tell us whether they are battling an illness, and when they need to see a doctor.
There are key things to look for in your baby’s bowel movements and behavior that can tell you whether there’s a need to be concerned about your little one.
Does Your Little One Have Any Other Symptoms?
If the only change that you’re noticing is that your breastfed baby doesn’t have seedy poop, there’s no reason to be concerned.
Babies that have more than that change, such as a slight fever or being extra fussy, maybe coming down with something. It’s a great idea to call your doctor, in this case, to make sure that they are okay.
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Contact Your Pediatrician If There Is Blood In The Stool
If you notice red streaks in your baby’s stool, and they have not eaten anything red or orange that can cause this, contact your pediatrician.
This could be a sign of an intestinal blockage or other serious condition. Your little one needs to see a doctor.
Pale Or White Poop Is Concerning
Pale or white poop also warrants a call to the pediatrician. This can be a sign of liver failure. It can also be a sign that your little one is lactose intolerant. Call your doctor just to make sure that your baby is okay.
Call The Doctor If You See Black Poop
Black poop is also not normal for babies. There are no foods that are going to make your little one produce black stool.
However, there are some serious medical conditions that can. If you see black stool, make sure to give your pediatrician a call as soon as possible.
Mucus In Poop Is Not Normal
If you see mucous in a bowel movement or two, there’s no need to be alarmed, but you should mention it to your pediatrician. This is a sign that your little one has a food intolerance.
Mucus can also indicate that your baby is fighting off an infection. Both of these need to be verified by a doctor.
In Conclusion
If your breastfed baby does not have seedy poop, and everything else appears to be normal, there is nothing to be concerned about. This is fine. If you notice other symptoms, like black or white stool, contact your pediatrician.
