Constipation = hard, dry, pellet-like stools that are difficult/painful to pass. NOT just infrequent pooping. Breastfed babies can go 7-10 days without pooping and be totally fine (after 6 weeks). Formula-fed babies usually go daily but may go 2-3 days. True constipation signs: hard pellets, straining with crying, blood from hard stool, hard belly, decreased appetite. Most common cause: starting solids or formula change.

Newborn diaper patterns change rapidly in first week: • Day 1-2: 1-2 wet diapers (tiny bladder, colostrum intake) • Day 3: 3 wet diapers • Day 4: 4 wet diapers • Day 5+: 6+ wet diapers per day By 1 month: 6-8 wet diapers daily. Fewer wet diapers may indicate dehydration. Poopy diapers vary widely by age and feeding method - see separate entries for constipation and diarrhea guidance.

Diaper rash is red, irritated skin in diaper area. Causes: prolonged contact with urine/stool, chafing, yeast infection, antibiotic use, new foods, sensitive skin. Mild rash: pink/red, flat, slightly bumpy. Moderate rash: bright red, raised bumps. Severe/yeast rash: bright red with satellite spots, open sores, doesn't improve with regular treatment. Most diaper rash improves in 2-3 days with proper care.

Diarrhea = sudden increase in frequency AND very watery/liquid stools. Normal breastfed baby poop is loose and seedy - this is NOT diarrhea. True diarrhea signs: many more poops than usual (8-10+), very watery (soaks into diaper), foul smell, may have mucus. Causes: stomach virus (most common), food intolerance, antibiotics, teething (minor contribution), infection. Main danger: dehydration, especially in babies under 6 months.

Meconium (first poop) is thick, sticky, tar-like, and dark green/black. Passed in first 24-48 hours. Made of everything baby ingested in utero: amniotic fluid, skin cells, lanugo. Transitional stools (days 2-4): greenish-brown, less sticky. Breastfed stools by day 5: yellow, seedy/curdy, loose (looks like diarrhea but isn't). Formula stools: tan/brown, thicker, paste-like, more formed. First poop should happen within 24-48 hours of birth.

NORMAL colors: • Black/dark green: meconium (first 2 days) • Yellow/mustard with seeds: breastfed baby • Tan/brown/yellow-brown: formula-fed baby • Green: normal variation (especially with iron-fortified formula) • Orange: normal variation CONCERNING colors: • White/gray/chalky: possible liver problem • Red/bloody: possible bleeding (though may be from mom's cracked nipples) • Black (after meconium stage): possible bleeding in upper GI tract Texture varies widely and is rarely concerning unless watery (diarrhea) or hard pellets (constipation).

Urate crystals appear as pink, red, or orange powdery/sandy substance in newborn's diaper - looks like brick dust or salmon-colored stain. Very common in first few days of life (especially days 2-4). Caused by concentrated urine when baby isn't getting much fluid yet (only colostrum). Urate crystals are normal and harmless in first week. Should disappear once milk comes in and baby is well-hydrated. Parents often panic thinking it's blood - it's NOT blood, just concentrated uric acid crystals.