The Scoop on Poop: What's Normal, What's Not

It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta tell you all about what's in your child's diapers.

By Wendy Sue Swanson, M.D.

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As a mother of two young boys and a pediatrician who gets pooped on in the office, I've seen and smelled it all. Diapers and their contents are a part of my everyday dialogue. Nearly all new parents ask me about their infant's bowel movements. "Is this diarrhea?" I've been asked, as a full diaper is pushed toward me. I regularly explain the normal variations of color, consistency, and content.

There have been moments where I sincerely worried about my own kids' poop. But it's a rare baby who doesn't have "normal" BMs. In order to know what normal is, though, it'll help you to have specifics. (Warning: Do not read if you're eating -- or maybe even if you're about to eat.)

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Next: The Basics

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