Having just become a parent for the first time, you’re still very much getting used to how to look after a newborn baby. And when it comes to your little one, you’ve come to find that there isn’t a day that goes by that doesn’t involve a new discovery or surprise of some kind.

Although you’ve become accustomed to always learning new things about looking after a baby, you thought that, by now, changing nappies wouldn’t bring about any uncertainties. That was until yesterday when you discovered a red streak in your baby’s nappy. At first, you were horrified, but then you considered that this could be normal.

Parents, it’s completely normal to feel a little freaked out if you discover something like a red streak in your baby’s nappy. Just try to remember that even when we think we know it all, we’re forever learning new things about our babies!

So, let’s talk about what a red streak in your baby’s nappy might mean, and what to do if you spot one.

What could a red streak in my baby’s nappy mean?

Urate crystals. If the redness in your baby’s nappy looks almost powdery, like a spot of blusher or another type of makeup, then urate crystals might be the cause. Urate crystals are little particles in urine that can be seen when babies drink less the first few days after they are born. This is because their mother’s milk supply hasn’t fully come in yet. Urate crystals are nothing to worry about, and are very common in the first few days of a baby’s life.

Discharge from circumcision. If you have had a baby boy who was circumcised, then the cause of the red streak could be discharge from circumcision. This will typically look like a dark yellow or bloody stain on the nappy at the site of the circumcision. It’s always best to examine the tip of the penis for signs of bleeding or infection if this is the case and to call your paediatrician for advice.

Female withdrawal bleeding. If you have a baby girl, then the red stain could actually be blood, but this is generally nothing to worry about. This simply signifies that your little one is having withdrawal bleeding the first week after birth, which is similar to a woman’s period. This happens because the baby was exposed to their mother’s high oestrogen levels in the womb. This is nothing to be concerned about.

What should you do if you spot a red streak in your baby’s nappy?

If for any reason you do notice a red streak in your baby’s nappy, it’s always best to call your paediatrician for advice. If your paediatrician asks you to come in, then always take the nappy with you so that they can examine it.

What does a red streak in my baby's nappy mean?

On our Baby Health Journey, we explain the cause of a particularly alarming find at changing time.