Newborn Poop: What's Normal And What's Not?

Newborns can often leave their parents shocked by the sheer amount of their bowel movements. The frequency of a newborn baby's poop varies, and it is usually dependent on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed ones. The colour of the poop also varies, ranging from black and tar-like to yellow, brown, or green. The texture of the poop can be seedy, loose, watery, or pasty. While most colours are considered normal, white, black, or red poop can be a cause for concern and may require a visit to the doctor.

Frequency of newborn poop

The frequency of a newborn's poop varies from baby to baby, just as it does for adults. Some newborns poop every time they eat, while others only poop every few days. The frequency of a newborn's poop can also depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Typically, breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies.

First 24 Hours

In the first 24 hours of life, a newborn should pass meconium, a black, sticky, and tar-like substance. This is a good sign that the baby's bowels are functioning correctly.

First Few Days

Within the first few days, newborns transition to regular stool, which is generally yellow. The colour is similar for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. However, breastfed babies' stool tends to be seed-like in texture and is generally soft and liquid-like. Formula-fed babies' stool, on the other hand, tends to be thicker and more paste-like.

First Week

During the first week, breastfed babies usually have at least one poopy diaper for every day of life. So, on day one, the baby will poop once, and on day two, they will poop twice, and so on. This pattern typically doesn't continue past five days old. After day five, the average breastfed newborn will have about five dirty diapers a day, though anywhere from several per day to one every two to three days is considered normal.

Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, typically poop three to four times a day, but some can go as long as three to four days without a bowel movement. As long as their poop is soft and passed without a struggle, there is no need for concern.

After Six Weeks

After six weeks, breastfed babies' poop patterns may change, and they may start skipping days between bowel movements. Some babies will continue to poop several times a day or more throughout the first year, while others will go several days between dirty diapers. It's not necessary to continue counting after six weeks as long as the baby is happy and gaining weight.

After Starting Solids

Once a baby starts eating solids, the colour and consistency of their poop will change. It will become thicker, browner, and smellier. The consistency may vary depending on what the baby has recently eaten. There is no need for concern unless the baby seems to be straining or goes more than a few days without a bowel movement.

Colour of newborn poop

Newborns can have a rainbow of poop colours, and it usually isn't a cause for concern. However, some colours may indicate a health issue.

Meconium

The first few diapers of a newborn will contain a thick, sticky, tar-like substance called meconium. It is typically greenish-black or black in colour and has hardly any smell. It is made up of mucus, skin cells, lanugo hairs, and other particles the baby swallowed along with the amniotic fluid while in the womb. Meconium should only be present in the first 3 days of a baby's life.

Breastfed Babies

Once the meconium is out of the baby's system, the colour of their poop will shift to yellow or green and have a more liquid consistency. If you are breastfeeding, the poop may look like Dijon mustard with a slightly runny consistency and possibly some whitish, seed-like fat particles. A little bit of mucus in the poop is also normal. The colour of the poop may also be influenced by the mother's diet. For example, consuming green vegetables like spinach may result in a green tint in the baby's poop.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies' poop is usually firmer and bigger than that of breastfed babies, with a darker yellow or tan colour and a paste-like consistency.

Solid Foods

When solid foods are introduced, the colour of the poop will vary more widely, and you may see undigested bits of food in the diapers.

Colours to Watch Out For

While most colours are normal, some colours that may indicate a problem include:

• Red – This could be due to blood in the baby's poop, which may be caused by allergies, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, or, in newborn girls, a "mini period" due to hormones from the delivering parent.
• White or Light Grey – This could signal a liver condition and indicate that the baby is not digesting food properly.
• Black – Black poop after the initial meconium stage could be a sign of stomach bleeding.
• Green – Although usually harmless, dark green poop may be a cause for concern and should be inspected closely to ensure it is not black.

If you notice any of these colours in your newborn's poop, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Consistency of newborn poop

The consistency of a newborn's poop varies depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies tend to have softer and more liquid stools than formula-fed babies. Their poop is often described as "seedy", "mushy", "runny", or "watery", and is typically mustard-like in colour and texture. It may also be loose and frothy, which could mean they are getting too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk. Breastfed babies' poop is also known to have a slightly sweet smell.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies' poop is usually thicker and pastier, with a texture similar to peanut butter. Their stool is typically on the brown colour spectrum, ranging from tan-brown to yellow-brown or greenish-brown. Formula-fed babies' poop is also more pungent than that of breastfed babies.

Transitional Stools

In the first 24 hours of a newborn's life, they will pass meconium, which is a sticky, tar-like substance that is black or greenish-black in colour. After this, they will transition to regular stool, which is usually yellow or yellow-green and loose. This transition usually happens within the first few days of life.

Changes to Stool Consistency

As a newborn grows, their stool consistency will change. Introducing solid foods will result in thicker, darker, and smellier stools. Switching between breastfeeding and formula-feeding, or changing formula brands, will also lead to changes in stool consistency.

When to Be Concerned

If a newborn's stool strays too far from the typical textures described above, it could be a cause for concern. Very loose, watery stools could lead to dehydration, while hard, pellet-like stools could indicate constipation. White, grey, or pale-yellow stools could be a sign of a liver condition or a blockage in the bile ducts. Black stools after the initial passing of meconium could indicate bleeding in the digestive tract, and bright red blood in the stool could be a sign of allergies or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Newborn poop and diet

Meconium

Your newborn's first poop is called meconium, a sticky, tar-like substance that gradually filled your baby's intestines while in the womb. It is typically greenish-black or black and tarry in appearance. Meconium is usually passed within the first 24 hours of life and is a good sign that your baby's bowels are functioning properly.

Transitional Stools

After the first 24 hours and once all the meconium has passed, your baby's poop will transition to a lighter colour, usually a yellowish-green or dark greenish-yellow. These stools are looser and sometimes seedy in texture, especially for breastfed infants. This transition indicates that your baby has started digesting early breast milk or formula, and their intestinal tract is functioning properly.

Breastfed Baby Poop

Breastfed babies typically have several bowel movements each day, ranging from mustard-like in colour to yellowish, green, or slightly brown. The consistency can be loose, watery, seedy, mushy, or curdy. It is normal for the colour and consistency of breastfed baby poop to vary, and it may sometimes resemble diarrhoea. Breastfed baby poop also tends to have a slightly sweet smell.

Formula-Fed Baby Poop

Formula-fed babies usually have thicker and pastier poop, ranging from tan-brown to yellow-brown or greenish-brown in colour. Their bowel movements may be firmer and more formed than those of breastfed babies, but they should not be harder than the consistency of peanut butter. Formula-fed babies typically poop three to four times a day but can go up to several days without a bowel movement.

Solid Food Introduction

Once your baby starts eating solid foods, you will notice a change in their poop's colour and consistency. Solid food poop tends to be brown or dark brown, thicker, and smellier. The consistency may vary depending on what your baby has eaten, and it is normal to see partially digested food in their stool. However, if you consistently see undigested food in their poop, it may indicate that their intestines are not absorbing food and nutrients properly.

When to Call the Doctor

While newborn poop can vary in colour, consistency, and frequency, there are some signs to watch out for that may indicate a problem. Consult your paediatrician if you notice any of the following:

• Maroon or bloody stools
• Black stools after the initial meconium passage (usually after day four)
• White, grey, or pale-yellow stools
• Excessive stool, more than what is normal for your baby
• Stool with a large amount of mucus or water (this may indicate diarrhoea)
• Hard, pebble-like stools or signs of constipation
• Signs of dehydration, such as crying without tears, dry lips, reduced urination, or excessive sleepiness

When to call the doctor about newborn poop

It's important to know when to call the doctor about your newborn's poop. Here are some situations when you should seek medical advice:

No Poop for Several Days

If your baby hasn't had a bowel movement in four days, it could be a sign of constipation. Call your doctor, especially if your baby seems to be in pain or is straining during bowel movements.

Blood in the Stool

If you notice any blood in your newborn's poop, don't hesitate to call your doctor. Bloody stool can indicate allergies or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. It may also be a sign of a more serious stomach condition.

White, Black, or Pale Grey Stool

While most colours of newborn poop are normal, certain shades may indicate a problem. White or light grey poop could signal a liver condition and impaired digestion. Black poop after the initial meconium stools may indicate stomach bleeding. These colours should prompt a call to your doctor.

Very Loose or Watery Stool

If your baby has very loose or watery stools for three or more diapers, it could lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if this persists for 6-8 diaper changes.

Hard, Pellet-Like Stool

Hard, pellet-like poop is a sign of constipation. This warrants a call to your doctor, especially if it's causing discomfort or pain.

Bright Green Poop

Bright green poop in the first few days of life can be a warning sign of blocked or narrow bowels, which often require surgery.

Diarrhea and Constipation

If your baby is experiencing both diarrhea and constipation, it could be a sign of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease in premature babies. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect NEC.

Remember, it's always better to be cautious. If you have any concerns about your newborn's poop or overall health, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions