Diaper & Output

Meconium & First Poops

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.

What to Do

Expect meconium (tar-like black poop) in first 24-48 hours - this is normal
Meconium is very sticky - use petroleum jelly on baby's bottom for easier cleaning
Watch for color change from black → green → yellow/brown over first week
By day 5: breastfed babies have yellow seedy poop, formula babies have tan/brown
Don't panic at seedy texture in breastfed baby poop - totally normal
Take photo if you're concerned and show pediatrician at next visit
Notify hospital staff or pediatrician if no meconium by 48 hours
After meconium passes, frequency varies widely (see constipation/diarrhea entries)

When to call a doctor

Call doctor if baby doesn't pass meconium within first 48 hours of life - may indicate intestinal blockage. Also call if you see white, red, or black stools after meconium stage.

Trusted Sources

More from Diaper & Output

View all

Diaper & Output

Constipation in Babies

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.

Diaper & Output

Diaper Frequency & What to Expect

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 & Output

Diaper Rash Treatment & Prevention

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.