Final answer:
Breastfed infants generally have four or more stools per day, while formula-fed infants usually have one or two stools per day, reflecting differences in digestion and bowel movement frequency related to milk composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typically, breastfed infants will have more frequent bowel movements compared to formula-fed infants. The newborn's first stools are generally meconium, which is a tarry, greenish black substance that accumulates in the fetal intestines during the second half of gestation. As the newborn transitions to consuming either breast milk or formula, the stools change in color and consistency. Breastfed infants tend to have stools that appear seedy and yellow, indicating a good transfer of breast milk. In contrast, formula-fed infants typically have stools that are slightly more formed and tan in color.
During the first month of life, the frequency of stools in breastfed infants can be quite high, averaging around four or more stools per day, while formula-fed infants might have fewer, often one or two stools per day. This difference is due to the natural composition of breast milk, which is easily digested and can move more quickly through the digestive system.