They may also produce more frequent bowel movements than bottle-fed babies do. In some cultures, a bowel movement after every meal is the optimal sign of good health at any age. Frequent bowel movements shows that your baby is not only getting enough to eat, but that it is being digested properly. After the first month or so your baby may not produce more than one bowel movement a day. If she is not gaining weight and is having less than six bowel movements a day in the first month, you should call your doctor.
Diarrhea is described as loose, watery, smelly and frequent or uncontrollable bowel movements.
Your child's food source is the most common cause. There are no hard and fast rules when your child is constipated. Remember, bottle fed children do not have bowel movements as frequently as breast fed children, so the number of times your child has a bowel movement is not alone an indicator. Usually, constipation is a concern if the stools are very hard and small like deer stools or causing pain or bleeding. Always wash hands after diaper changes or, once your child is potty trained, when done helping him get clean after using the toilet.