The Scoop on Baby Poop: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Call Your Pediatrician

If you’re a parent of a newborn and paying close attention to your baby’s poop, that’s a good thing. Watching the baby’s diaper so you can describe in detail your newborn’s bowel movements is helpful when talking with your pediatrician.

Understanding your newborn’s tummy issues and the different colors of poop gives you insight into your baby’s health, development, and nutrition. So, hold your breath and pinch your nose while we dive into the world of baby poo.

What Should My Baby’s Poop Look Like?

It’s normal for new parents to have endless questions about baby poop: How often should they poop? What poopy colors are normal? Is mucus in my baby’s stool okay? Is watery poo the same as diarrhea?

This baby poop guide breaks down the details, because when it comes to newborn care and monitoring their diaper, we know even the tiniest nuggets matter.

The First Few Days after Birth: Meconium

In the first few days of life, babies pass a thick, sticky stool called meconium. This inky black stuff has been stored during pregnancy from all of the baby’s swallowing while in the womb. It’s totally normal and a good sign that your baby’s digestive system is kick starting into gear.

After Your Newborn Starts Feeding

As baby begins feeding—whether on breastmilk or formula—poop starts transitioning. When looking at your baby’s diaper, expect a dark green color that gradually becomes lighter.

The Poopoo Rainbow

By about day four, you’ll start to see in their diapers a few poop colors from your baby’s stool, ranging from greenish-yellow, bright yellow, and even light brown. Think of it like the colors of a sunflower—from petal to stem. All normal! Color can vary depending on whether your baby is breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Breastfed Versus Bottle-Fed Poop

What your baby eats plays a starring role in what shows up in their diaper. In other words, what you put in affects what comes out in their stool as your baby’s body processes their nutrition and eliminates the waste. Breastfed and formula fed infants have different stools based on their nutrition sources. It’s helpful information to know the difference.

Breastfed Baby

Breastfed babies produce stools that are usually a mustard yellow, with a watery or seedy consistency. It may look curdled or contain what seems like sticky mucus. That’s all normal. Breast milk is a natural laxative. It helps prevent constipation and supports gut health with good bacteria. Some breastfed babies have a movement after every meal, thanks to how quickly breastmilk moves through the digestive system. Yep, that often! You could be feeding and changing continually.

If you ever notice green and mucousy bowel movement, it might be completely normal or can indicate some feeding challenges. Call your lactation consultant to help troubleshoot.

Formula-Fed Baby

Babies who drink infant formula tend to have thicker, less watery, stools than those on breast milk. You may see yellow to brown, or occasionally green poop with a stronger smell. Formula fed babies usually have fewer but larger bowel movements daily.

Switching formulas may not be necessary, so always consult with your baby’s doctor, their pediatrician, or lactation consultant if you’re considering changing products. They’ll help you understand more about your baby’s gut health and potential food allergies.

Combo-Fed Baby

If your breastfed baby also gets infant formula, their poop may have a mix of characteristics; greenish color, varied texture, and a schedule that depends on how much of each they’re getting.

Baby Poop After Starting Solids

Everything changes for older babies who start eating solid food. In your baby’s bowel movements, you might see more formed stools, stronger smells, and tiny bits of undigested food. With solid food, you’ll move into your next chapter of monitoring your baby’s diapers.

How Often Should My Baby Poop?

During the first few days after birth, you can expect the number of your baby’s daily bowel movements to roughly match the baby’s age in days. Meaning, one poop on day one, two on day two, and so on. After that, babies often poop three or more times a day.

Breastfed babies might go even more often. Some newborns poop during or after every single feeding. Around a month old, it’s common for breastfed babies to go less frequently.
If your baby grunts or strains but passes a soft stool, that’s normal. They’re still figuring out how to relax their pelvic floor and engage those adorable tummy muscles. Movement and gentle tummy massage can help.

Why Is My Baby’s Poop Watery? Do They Have Diarrhea?

You’re not alone in wondering. But rest easy. Young babies are on a liquid diet, so their stools will naturally be watery, soft, and sometimes seedy or a little mucousy. That’s totally expected and not a sign of diarrhea in most cases.

Diarrhea in a baby will show as watery poo that is foul-smelling, and often comes with other symptoms like fever, irritability, or signs of dehydration. If you’re unsure or concerned, always reach out to your pediatrician.

My Baby’s Poop Doesn’t Look Normal. When Should I Be Concerned?

Not all poop is created equal. Here are some colors and consistencies in newborn poop that should prompt a quick call to your pediatrician:
White or pale gray stool: May signal liver or bile duct issues.

• Black stool (after meconium): Could indicate bleeding.
• Red streaks: Possible signs of a milk protein allergy, constipation, or small tears.
• Very watery and frequent with other symptoms: Might be diarrhea or infection.

In addition to concerns over color, call your baby’s doctor if they haven’t pooped in more than three days (especially if formula-fed), sudden change in patterns of bowel movements, or seem in pain while trying to go.

Lactation Consulting Support and Your Baby’s Poop

Lactation consultants usually remind parents: your baby’s poop is one of the first things that can tell us about your baby’s health, or if a change in feeding is needed. Your baby’s poop clues you in on how their feeding is going.

At both your regular well visits or any calls for concern, your baby’s doctor or lactation consultant can help interpret what’s in their diaper, as well as offer medical advice around overall feeding routines.

Learn How Lactation Consultants Can Help with Nutrition Counseling in Babies

FAQs About Baby Poop

How often should my newborn have a bowel movement?
Newborns poop anywhere from several times a day to once every few days. Frequency varies, but consistency in pattern and understanding texture is key to monitoring their health.

What if my baby grunts or strains when pooping?
It’s totally normal. They’re still learning how to poop. As long as the baby’s stool is soft and movements are regular, it’s usually not constipation.
What’s considered constipation?

If your baby’s bowel movements are hard, dry pellets, or they seem distressed while going, it can be a sign of constipation or dehydration. Call your baby’s provider if the condition lasts more than a couple of days.

Is green poop okay?
Yes, green colored stools are ok, especially in formula-fed babies or those with a mix of feeding. If it’s accompanied by mucus, fussiness, or other changes, check in with your baby doctor for possible causes.

What about mucus or seedy texture?
Mucousy and seedy stools are considered normal, especially for breastfed babies. Their poop often looks like it has mustardy-like sesame seeds in it. So don’t be alarmed.

Metro Pediatrics is Here for All Things Baby

From newborn care to nutrition for babies, our team of expert newborn providers and lactation support consultants are here for both medical advice and to cheer you on while decoding those dirty diapers. Parenting is a big responsibility, but you’ve got this and we’ve got your back.

Questions? Unusual poop? Need help with breastfeeding? Give us a call. We’re always happy to help, and you can trust that we’ve seen every shade of the poopoo rainbow.

New Patients are Always Welcome

Are you expecting a baby or recently had a newborn? Metro Pediatrics would love to welcome you as a new patient.

Expectant Parents: Schedule a “Meet and Greet” to learn more about our services and ask questions of your provider.

Newborn Patients: Learn more about our comprehensive newborn care services and give us a call to schedule your first appointment.