The variation in stool patterns from 1 to 42 months: a population-based observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To document the normal stool patterns of young children.


METHODS
Prospective population-based longitudinal study.


METHODS
Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).


METHODS
12,984 children, whose parents completed questionnaires at 4 weeks, 6, 18, 30 and 42 months on their frequency of bowel movements and the consistency and colour of their stools.


RESULTS
Stool frequency declined from a mean of 3.0 times/day (3rd centile 0.6, 97th centile 5.9) at 4 weeks to 1.3 times/day (0.6, 2.7) at 42 months. Stool consistency was soft in most babies with nearly half passing liquid or curdy stool at 4 weeks. 14% of babies usually passed a hard stool at 4 weeks, rising to 30% at 42 months. Stool colour was commonly yellow at 4 weeks and had changed to brown by 6 months. Black stools were extremely unusual at all ages.


CONCLUSIONS
These data on the changes with age in the stool patterns of young children will be useful for clinicians.
Steer
C D
CD
Department of Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. Colin.Steer@bristol.ac.uk
Emond
A M
AM
Golding
J
J
Sandhu
B
B
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010858:Pigmentation