POO KNOWLEDGE FOR EVERY AGE

NEWBORN

Your new baby’s first poo is called meconium. It’s black, sticky and difficult to clean, also because you’re uncertain about handling your baby. Very soon it will be second nature. Beware of pushing your baby’s legs up to the chest too vigorously, as this can lead to a poo explosion.

NURSING BABY

Good news! Breastfed babies’ poo really doesn’t smell bad, and the slight smell bothers parents even less than others. Yip, someone researched it! Their poo is also easy to wipe away. But be warned… When your baby begins to cut teeth, you’re in for some spectacularly bad nappies. Change your baby immediately to avoid nappy rash.

OLDER BABY

Once your baby starts eating solid food, his poo will change quite dramatically. The good news is that the frequency of dirty nappies will most likely be reduced to once a day. The poo is firmer and therefore easier to clean. Many babies also become very regular during this time. Be observant, and you might be able to predict and wait for a poo before you go out in the morning or before bath time in the evening.

TODDLER

Nappy-changing time is playtime! Your little one will wriggle, but by now you’re an old hand at this thing. Keep your interaction playful and stress free. Think of it as bonding time. Also, allow your child some time every day to run around without a nappy. The fresh air is good for the skin, and your child can also begin to discover what usually happens inside the nappy. This discovery is one of the first steps on the road to potty training. Don’t be in a rush. Modern nappies are so much more comfortable and functional than they were a generation ago, resulting in children beginning potty training later and later. This is normal. Just ignore the raised eyebrows from the older generation. ●