Introduction
Bowel movements in babies can be very variable in color, consistency and texture. Occasionally, mucilaginous defecation may also occur. The diaper contents may appear moist and shiny and the mucus may be deposited on the stool. In most cases, mucusy stools in babies are largely harmless and occur naturally, for example when teething. Nevertheless, parents should pay close attention to their child and notice warning signs such as diarrhea, blood or pain early on so that they can consult a doctor in good time.
What are the causes?
Excessive swallowed saliva when teething Change in diet Allergies, for example to food Intolerances to food Gastrointestinal infections after prolonged antibiotic use Less often after vaccinations
- Excessively swallowed saliva during teething
- Change of diet
- Allergies, for example to food
- Food intolerances
- Gastro-intestinal infections
- After prolonged antibiotic use
- Less often after vaccinations
A typical reason for mucusy stools in infants is the intake of antibiotics for infections. Antibiosis brings the intestinal flora out of balance. As a result, an increased amount of mucus can be detected in the diaper.
If it is only a one-time mucus admixture or generally only little mucus is visible, it is usually worth waiting a day until the symptoms disappear on their own. However, if the baby shows other symptoms such as diarrhea, blood admixture or is very cranky, parents should consult a pediatrician to clarify the problem. Everything you should know about a newborn infection can be found here: How dangerous is a newborn infection?
The most harmless cause of slimy stool in babies is probably teething. When the first teeth break through, the constant stimulus in the mouth leads to increased saliva production. Many babies swallow the excessive saliva.
This is not completely reabsorbed in the intestine and shows up as a slimy, watery deposit in the diaper. Parents need not worry about this. The mucus usually disappears when the tooth has erupted and saliva subsides.
But even in this case, if the child shows other symptoms besides the mucus deposits, a pediatrician should be consulted. Occasionally, an infant’s bowel movements can be temporarily mucusy even after vaccination. Many parents report slimy stools in their baby, especially after vaccination against rotavirus.
This phenomenon is usually considered harmless. It is often just a sign of an activated immune system, as it should be after a vaccination. Nevertheless, there may be another cause behind the mucous stool. If the baby shows signs of pain or other symptoms, the infant should be presented to a doctor.
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