Newborn (0–2 months) · Infant (2–12 months) · Newborns & feeding
Newborn poop: colors, frequency and when to worry
Newborn stool changes from black meconium to mustard yellow within the first week. Breastfed babies may poop after every feed or once a week; both can be normal. White, red or black stool after the first days needs a call.
Key takeaways
- Meconium (black, tar-like) for the first 1–3 days is normal
- Yellow, seedy and loose is the classic breastfed stool; formula stool is tan and firmer
- Frequency varies enormously; consistency and comfort matter more
- White, chalky, red or black stool after day 4: call us
- Straining and grunting is common and not constipation if the stool is soft
What should newborn poop look like?
Days 1–3: black and sticky (meconium). Days 3–5: greenish transition stool. From day 5: mustard yellow, seedy and loose for breastfed babies; tan to yellow-brown and peanut-butter-like for formula-fed babies. Green is usually fine too.
How often should my baby poop?
In the first month, many babies poop after most feeds. After 4 to 6 weeks, a breastfed baby may go several days, even a week, between soft stools. That is normal if the baby is comfortable, feeding well and wetting six or more diapers a day.
Is my baby constipated?
Constipation means hard, dry, pellet-like stools, not infrequent ones. Grunting, red faces and straining are normal newborn behaviors as they learn to coordinate their muscles.
Colors that need a call
- White, gray or chalky: possible liver or bile problem
- Red streaks: could be a small fissure, or a milk protein reaction; we want to see it
- Black after the meconium stage: possible bleeding higher in the gut
When to call us
- Hard, dry, pellet stools, or blood on the diaper
- Diarrhea (watery, more frequent than usual) with fewer wet diapers
- White, red or black stool after the first few days
- Vomiting that is green or forceful
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- A swollen, hard belly with vomiting
- Blood in the stool with a very fussy or lethargic baby
Questions parents ask
My baby grunts and turns red every time. Should I worry?
If the stool is soft when it comes, no. This is “infant dyschezia”, learning to relax the bottom while pushing. It passes on its own.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- HealthyChildren.org (opens in new tab)American Academy of Pediatrics