Mucus is a slippery, gel-like fluid produced by various lining tissues throughout the body, including the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts. It serves as a protective barrier, trapping harmful germs and particles while allowing essential substances like oxygen and nutrients to pass through. This fluid also lubricates and moisturizes organs, aiding in their proper function. Its presence in baby poop can sometimes cause concern for parents, but it is often a common occurrence.
What is Mucus in Baby Poop
Mucus in baby poop appears as slimy streaks, strings, or a jelly-like substance. While it can be clear, it may also take on a white or yellow hue, or even green if the baby is fighting an infection or experiencing gut inflammation. The intestines naturally produce mucus to help stool pass smoothly through the digestive tract.
A small, occasional amount of mucus in a baby’s stool is normal. This is particularly true for breastfed babies, whose stools tend to pass through their intestines relatively quickly. However, a consistent or significant presence of mucus, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate an underlying issue.
Reasons for Mucus in Baby Poop
Several factors can cause mucus in a baby’s stool. Teething leads to increased drooling, and babies can swallow this saliva. Swallowed saliva can appear as mucus in their poop, appearing as stringy or slimy streaks.
Upper respiratory infections, such as a cold, can also cause mucus in baby poop. When a baby has a runny nose or congestion, they may swallow nasal discharge. This can irritate the intestines and lead to increased mucus production in the stool, sometimes resulting in green poop.
Dietary sensitivities or allergies are another common cause, particularly to proteins found in cow’s milk or soy, whether in breast milk or formula. These allergies can cause inflammation in the baby’s intestines, leading to excess mucus production, sometimes accompanied by blood. Changes in a baby’s diet, especially when introducing solid foods, can also temporarily alter stool consistency and introduce mucus as the digestive system adjusts.
Intestinal infections, both viral and bacterial, can irritate the intestines and cause inflammation, leading to increased mucus in the stool. With bacterial infections, blood may also be present alongside the mucus. An imbalance of foremilk and hindmilk in breastfed babies can also result in mucus in the stool; foremilk, consumed at the beginning of a feeding, is lower in fat and can pass through the digestive system quickly, leading to undigested lactose.
When to Consult a Doctor
While small amounts of mucus can be normal, certain accompanying symptoms or patterns mean you should consult a doctor. You should contact a doctor if your baby has a large or persistent amount of mucus in their stool, or if mucus is present in several consecutive bowel movements.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if the mucus is accompanied by blood, which can appear as bright red streaks or a dark red, jelly-like substance. Other concerning symptoms include fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially if the diarrhea is severe or lasts more than two to three days. Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, sunken eyes, chapped lips, or reduced urination, also require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek medical advice if your baby shows signs of discomfort, such as crying, fussiness, or straining during bowel movements. Also consult a doctor if they exhibit poor feeding, lethargy, or significant changes in behavior.
For babies under three months old, any fever should prompt a call to the doctor. Rarely, conditions like cystic fibrosis or intussusception can cause mucus in stool.