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

Newborns can poop anywhere from several times a day to once every few days, and it's usually nothing to worry about. In fact, it's normal for newborns to poop after every feed, especially if they're breastfed. This is because breast milk is quickly digested, and as a newborn's stomach fills up with milk, their intestinal tract is stimulated, prompting a bowel movement. Formula-fed babies are less likely to poop after every feed since formula is harder to digest and takes longer to pass through their system. However, it's not uncommon for them to do so, especially in the early weeks.

Breastfed babies tend to poop after every feed

The frequency of bowel movements for breastfed babies can vary, ranging from once every feeding to once every seven days. On average, breastfed babies have around three bowel movements per day. This is because breastfed poops contain more liquid, so they will look more watery than the stools of formula-fed babies.

The colour of a breastfed baby's poop will also vary. Initially, a newborn's first poop will be thick, black, and tarry, known as meconium. After a few days, the stool changes to green and becomes less sticky. As the baby continues to breastfeed, the poop will turn yellow and seedy.

It is important to note that frequent pooping can sometimes be a sign of diarrhoea. If your baby is passing very runny or watery stools, it is important to monitor them and consult a healthcare professional if needed.

Overall, it is normal for breastfed babies to poop after every feed, and it is a positive indication that they are consuming enough milk.

Formula-fed babies may poop less frequently

It is normal for babies to poop after every feed, but formula-fed babies may have less frequent bowel movements. This is because formula can be harder for babies to digest, so it takes longer to pass through their system. However, it is also normal for formula-fed babies to poop after every feed, especially in the early weeks.

Formula-fed babies average around two stools per day but could have many more. According to Midwife Pip, "the poop of a formula-fed baby tends to be firmer in texture, darker in colour and smellier than a breastfed baby’s poop."

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that most healthcare providers are less concerned about how often a baby poops and more concerned that they are pooping regularly, whatever that norm may be for their body. So, if your formula-fed baby is pooping less frequently than a breastfed baby, this is usually nothing to worry about.

After the first few months, your baby may only poop once per day or go a few days between poops. As long as your baby is otherwise well and gaining weight, the frequency of their poops is likely to be very normal.

Meconium is a newborn's first stool

Meconium is formed when the fetus swallows amniotic fluid. As the fluid passes through the intestines, the water is absorbed, leaving behind a sticky, tar-like substance – meconium. This substance lines the fetus's large intestine and by the time the baby is full-term, its intestines are filled with meconium.

Passing meconium after birth indicates that the baby's digestive system and intestines are intact and functioning properly. It is expected that meconium will pass through the baby's system within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. As the baby starts to breastfeed or drink formula, their body will get rid of the meconium, making room for processing milk or formula.

The colour of meconium is typically dark green or greenish-black, and it has a thick and sticky consistency, resembling tar or sludge. It is important to note that meconium does not have a smell, unlike regular poop.

While swallowing meconium is not harmful, inhaling it into the lungs can cause serious respiratory problems, such as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). MAS can irritate the airways, injure lung tissue, and block surfactant, a fatty substance that helps open the lungs after birth. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor the baby for any signs of respiratory distress or infection if meconium is present in the amniotic fluid.

Baby poop colour can vary

The colour of your baby's poop can vary from one day to the next, and this is perfectly normal. You will often find yourself wiping various shades of brown, green, yellow, and even orange tones from your baby's bottom. Baby poo varies depending on many factors, such as their age, what they eat or drink, and whether they are being breastfed or formula-fed.

Meconium

Meconium is the name given to a newborn's first stool, which is usually passed within 36 hours of birth. It is a black, sticky, tar-like substance that can also be thick and dark green. It is made up of cells, proteins, fats, and bile, as well as material ingested in the womb.

Breastfed Babies

After the meconium has passed, the poop of breastfed babies tends to be runny and a mustard yellow, yellow, or yellowish-brown colour. It is usually softer and less smelly than formula-fed babies' poop.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies' poop tends to be firmer in texture, bulkier, darker in colour, and smellier than breastfed babies' poop. It is typically a pale yellow, yellowish-brown, or even peanut butter brown colour, depending on the formula.

When to Be Concerned

While it is normal for baby poop colour to vary, there are a few shades that may indicate a problem.

• White or Pale Grey - This is a rare colour for baby poop and could indicate an issue with the liver. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice this colour.
• Bright Green - In newborns, bright green poop is normal, but in older babies, it could be a sign of infection. It may also indicate that the baby is not feeding properly or is suffering from a viral or bacterial infection.
• Red - Red in baby poop is almost always caused by red food or medicine. However, it could also be a sign of blood in the stool, which may indicate allergies or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Black - If your baby has black poop after their very first poops (meconium), it could be a sign of stomach bleeding. Inspect the poop under bright light, and if it appears black, contact your doctor.

Remember, it is always best to check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your baby's poop colour or any other aspects of their bowel habits.

Baby poop consistency is usually soft

It's perfectly normal for your baby to poop a lot. In fact, 12 nappy changes in 24 hours are common for newborns. Breastfed babies will tend to poo after every feed, and formula-fed babies may pass stool up to five times a day.

As long as your baby's poops are soft and easy to pass, there's no cause for concern. However, frequent pooping can sometimes be a sign of diarrhoea. Your baby may have diarrhoea if:

• Their stool is very runny or watery
• They are suddenly pooping more often than usual, or passing larger amounts
• The stool is explosive, foul-smelling, spurts out of their bottom, or runs down their leg.

Diarrhoea should clear up without treatment within about a week. In the meantime, feed your baby as normal and keep a close eye on them for any other signs of illness.

If you're unsure about what's normal for your baby, talk to your health visitor or GP.

Frequently asked questions