Baby Poop: What's Normal, What's Not
Color, consistency, frequency, and when to call the doctor
Every Parent Worries About Poop
Baby poop changes constantly in the first weeks and months. The color, texture, and frequency shift based on feeding method, age, and development. Most of what you see is normal, but knowing what to watch for can save you unnecessary worry and help you catch real problems early.
The First Poop: Meconium
The baby's first stool is called meconium. It is thick, sticky, and dark greenish-black, almost like tar. It is made of amniotic fluid, skin cells, and other substances the baby swallowed in the womb. The baby should pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. After that, the stool transitions to a lighter, looser consistency as feeding begins.
Breastfed Baby Poop
Breastfed baby poop is typically mustard-yellow, seedy, and loose, it can look like cottage cheese mixed with mustard. It has a mild, slightly sweet smell (not the strong odor of adult stool). Breastfed babies may poop after every feed in the first weeks, then slow to once every few days or even once a week after 6 weeks. As long as the stool is soft and the baby is gaining weight, infrequent pooping is normal for breastfed babies.
Formula-Fed Baby Poop
Formula-fed baby poop is typically tan to brown, thicker than breastfed stool (like peanut butter), and has a stronger odor. Formula-fed babies tend to poop more regularly, usually once or twice per day. The stool should be soft but formed. Hard, dry pellets indicate constipation.
Poop Colors: What They Mean
When to Call the Doctor
Resources
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a guide to newborn stool patterns on HealthyChildren.org. The CDC also has infant feeding and stool tracking resources.