Some things your baby will do

POO

Your baby’s poos should be soft, watery and generally a light brown or mustardy yellow colour, though don’t worry if they are sometimes green. Thankfully, few parents are actively revolted by their own baby’s poo. Almost all babies sometimes do explosive poos, taking out an entire outfit, usually in public when you’ve forgotten your nappy bag. This does not mean they’re ill or even uncomfortable.

Pooing every after feed or more is perfectly normal in the early weeks. It is also normal-especially for breastfed babies to poo as little as once every three or four days, or even once a week.

You should also talk to the doctor if the poos are hard, pellet-like and obviously cause him pain, or even bleeding as they come out. He could be constipated, although a bit of straining or brief discomfort is normal.

Change his nappy whenever he seems wet, and definitely whenever he poos. In the few weeks this may happen ten or twelve times a day. It helps to have a `nappy station’.
If your baby bottom gets red and raw-looking, it could be nappy rash, usually caused by prolonged contact with pees or poo. Almost all babies get it at some point (girls seem to get it more easily than boys). Strong soap or bubble baths can also cause nappy rash, as can wipes containing alcohol, and a period of illness.

• Wash and dry the area thoroughly.
• Lie your baby on a towel and let him be nappy-free for as long as often as you can.
• Slather a barrier cream on the red bits once your baby is clean and dry, before putting the nappy back on.
• You don’t need to use barrier cream once your baby’s bottom has healed: Its generally better for the skin to breathe.