Diaper & Output

Poop Color Guide - What's Normal & What's Not

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).

What to Do

Learn what's normal for YOUR baby - wide variation exists
Breastfed: Yellow, seedy, loose (looks like diarrhea but isn't) - normal!
Formula-fed: Tan/brown, thicker, paste-like - normal!
Green poop is usually normal - often from iron or food dyes later
Take photo of concerning poop color to show doctor
White/gray = URGENT - call doctor same day (possible liver issue)
Black after meconium stage = call doctor (possible bleeding)

When to call a doctor

Call doctor immediately if you see: white/gray/chalky poop (liver concern), significant red blood, or black tarry poop after the meconium stage. These may indicate serious conditions requiring medical evaluation.

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.