Baby poop varies depending on age, type of milk and digestive system . When a baby poops slimy, it can look like phlegm or clear or green mucus that sticks to the poop.
Types of Baby Stool: What Color is Normal?
Many parents don’t know that there is a reason why babies have slimy stools and that the color of their stool can vary depending on their age, type of milk, diet and current health.
Some of the common types of stool in babies include:
- Watery or hard stools
- Black in color (especially after birth)
- Baby’s stool is green, yellow, or brown
When parents see clear or greenish mucus like phlegm in their baby’s stool, this may indicate:
- Immature digestive process
- Baby swallows mucus from the nose (if he has a cold)
- Food or milk allergies
- Intestinal infection
So, changing diapers is actually not just a daily routine, but also a way for parents to monitor their child’s internal condition.
Causes of Slimy Stool in Babies
Here are some of the most common reasons why a baby’s stool can be slimy:
1. Cold or Respiratory Infection
When babies have a cold , they will swallow phlegm or mucus from their nose. This mucus will come out again through their stool.
2. Intestinal Infection
If mucus is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting or fever, it may be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection such as rotavirus. It is usually accompanied by vomiting and fever.
3. Milk Allergy or Intolerance
Babies who are not suited to formula milk or have an allergy to cow’s milk protein may show symptoms such as slimy stools, bloating and fussiness.
4. Dietary Changes
When babies start eating solids , their intestines are adjusting. This can also cause mucus to come out in their stools.
5. Teething
Many parents notice that their baby’s stool becomes more liquid and slimy during the teething process. This is due to increased saliva and a weakened immune system at that time.
When to Worry When Your Baby Has Mucous Diarrhea
Occasional mucus in the stool is usually not a cause for concern. But parents need to be extra careful if:
- Mucus with blood
- Baby has prolonged diarrhea
- Baby’s weight loss
- Baby has a fever or is not breastfeeding well.
- Unusually foul-smelling stool
This condition could indicate intestinal problems, serious infections or food allergies. Don’t wait too long, take your baby to the doctor immediately.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
If the baby seems healthy, active and shows no signs of danger, parents can:
- Continue breastfeeding as usual.
- Avoid changing formula milk suddenly.
- Monitor the solid foods given if the baby has started eating.
- Monitor stool changes for 1-2 days
- Make sure the baby has enough water/milk
- Pay attention if there are allergies to milk or new foods
- Record and share stool information (color, frequency, texture) with your doctor during check-ups.
A baby’s slimy stool can be normal if it occurs without other symptoms. However, as a parent, it’s important to be cautious. If you’re worried or have any doubts, seek medical advice to ensure your baby’s health is in good condition.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia
