A small amount of mucus in a baby’s poop is not usually a problem unless other symptoms are present. However, a lot of mucus, mucus in several stools in a row, or mucus with diarrhea may indicate an allergy, infection, or other problem.
The intestines naturally secrete mucus that helps coat the intestinal tract, digest food, and pass stool. Sometimes, some of this mucus ends up in poop. A small amount of mucus in one or two diapers, especially if there are no other symptoms, is usually not a sign of illness.
Sometimes, mucus appears in large quantities or it recurs for several days. In this case, there is more likely to be an underlying issue. Here, we take a look at some of these causes and explain when to contact a doctor.
In a baby with diarrhea, the runny, loose stools may contain mucus. However, in babies that breastfeed, it is common for the poop to be loose and somewhat runny, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between regular stool and diarrhea.
Some signs of diarrhea include:
- more frequent bowel movements than usual
- signs of pain or distress, such as crying, tensing the body, or making unusual movements
- a decrease in urination that may signal dehydration
Infections caused by bacteria or a virus, dietary changes, and numerous other issues can cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea often goes away on its own. Ensure that the baby drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Caregivers of babies who only breastfeed should make sure that there are frequent feedings.
In infants under 3 months of age, prolonged or severe diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration. Severe diarrhea can even
Call a doctor if a baby shows signs of dehydration, if diarrhea lasts more than 1–2 days, or if diarrhea is very severe.
Learn more about diarrhea and its causes here.
Allergies and food sensitivities can cause diarrhea or lead to mucus in a baby’s poop, though this is uncommon. In babies that breastfeed, a sudden change in the mother’s diet may be the cause. Sensitivities to iron, soy, or other formula ingredients may also play a role.
In older babies who eat solids, certain foods can cause diarrhea. This could be an early warning sign of a food sensitivity, though it is common for poop to change in color or consistency as new foods are introduced.
Sometimes, a sudden change in a baby’s diet — such as a switch to a new formula — can cause diarrhea for a few days. Talk to a pediatrician about how to manage these dietary changes to minimize the risk of diarrhea and stomach pain.
Learn more about allergies in babies here.
Changes in the way that a baby breastfeeds can affect the texture of their poop. For example, some babies who feed for short periods before switching breasts have frothy green stool.
If a baby breastfeeds, their stool may seem to contain mucus. This can happen when the baby gets more foremilk than hindmilk. Foremilk is the milk available at the beginning of a feed, and it can be thinner and sweeter, while hindmilk is available at the end.
Feeding on each breast for longer periods may help.
Learn more about breastfeeding here.
A baby may have blood and mucus in their stool. If the stool is very hard, this could mean that the baby is constipated. The blood and mucus could come from tiny tears in the baby’s anus. Ensuring that the baby consumes plenty of fluids may help.
Call a doctor if there is:
- extensive bleeding — more than just a few streaks in the stool
- bleeding that appears in several bowel movements
- bleeding that disappears and comes back a few days later
- diarrhea with blood (with or without mucus)
If a baby poops only blood and mucus or has lots of blood in their poop and is fussy, go to the emergency room.
Learn about home remedies for babies with constipation here.
Rarely, mucus in a baby’s stool can signal a serious problem.
If the stool looks very fatty and is unusually large or foul-smelling, the issue could be steatorrhea. Steatorrhea means that there is too much fat in the stool.
Numerous conditions can cause steatorrhea. They include:
- Liver health issues: A baby with liver health problems may have yellowish skin and eyes and dark or infrequent urination. In rare cases, the baby’s stool may also turn pale or white.
- Pancreas health problems: When the pancreas does not work correctly, the body cannot properly absorb or digest fat. The baby’s stool may also be pale or white.
- Malabsorption diseases: Some diseases make it difficult for the body to digest fat. In babies who have begun eating solids, celiac disease or cystic fibrosis, for example, may be a factor.
Learn more about steatorrhea here.
If there is only a little mucus in the baby’s poop, it is usually safe to wait and see if it goes away.
However, call a doctor if the baby:
- has a lot of mucus in their stool
- has other symptoms, such as diarrhea, a fever, or pain
- was born prematurely or is under 3 months old
- has a weak immune system because of a disease or medication
Anyone who is unsure whether there is a serious problem should err on the side of caution and call a pediatrician.
Go to the emergency room if the baby:
- has large quantities of blood in their stool
- has white stool and seems ill
- shows signs of dehydration, such as chapped lips, sunken eyes, or infrequent urination
- stops eating or feeding
A baby may have other types of stool, such as:
- Meconium: This is black or dark, sticky stool that babies pass shortly after birth. Talk to a doctor if it occurs for more than 3 days.
- Healthy poop: In infants, this is usually soft and may be slightly runny. Babies that breastfeed typically pass yellowish, seedy poop. Healthy poop can also be brownish-green or thick and tan.
- Brightly colored stool: When a baby begins eating solids, certain foods can change the color of stool. Carrots may turn it red or orange, for example, while spinach may turn it green.
- Constipated poop: This may be dark brown, lumpy, and hard.
- Black stool: This can signal bleeding in a baby’s upper digestive system. Call a doctor.
Most changes in a baby’s poop are temporary, and a small amount of mucus in stool is usually no cause for concern.
A pediatrician, however, can offer reassurance and help monitor the baby’s symptoms. Any caregiver who is unsure whether changes in stool indicate a problem should contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
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