Content is loading...

Hide this page Easy read and translate

Understanding your baby's poo

  • 0-1 Years
  • Peeing, pooing and toileting
A dad holding a newborn baby in his arms and kissing their hand

Most parents who breastfeed worry if their newborn is getting enough to eat. One way to check is to keep track of nappy changes. The contents of your baby's nappy will change during the first few days and weeks. These changes can help you to understand if feeding is going well. 

Your baby's first poo

Within the first 48 hours your baby should do a poo which is sticky and green and black in colour. This first poo is called meconium.

A few days after birth your baby’s poo will likely turn to a yellow or mustard colour.

Read more about what to expect from your baby's poo.

Information

Concerned about your baby's poo?

Your baby’s poo may vary from week to week. But if you notice your baby’s poo has become very watery, smelly or looks pale, speak to your health visitor or GP.

The effects of feeding on your baby's poo

How you feed your baby will also have an impact on their poo. Breastfed babies often have runny poo that doesn’t smell. Babies who are formula-fed have firmer, darker and more smelly poo.

Some formulas can cause your baby to have dark green poo. If you switch from breastfeeding to formula feeding this may also cause your baby’s poo to become darker.

Breastfed babies should be pooing at least twice a day for the first 6 weeks. Their poo should be at least the size of a £2 coin. Some babies may poo every time they are fed. After your baby reaches 6 weeks old, the frequency of their poos may slow down or the pattern may change. 

Formula-fed babies may poo up to 5 times a day to begin with. This can decrease to once a day after a few months. 

Is your baby constipated

You may notice your baby straining when doing a poo, or that they haven’t pooed for a few days. If your baby is still passing soft poo, they are not constipated. If your baby’s poo is hard, read our information on constipation in babies.

Success

Need more specific support for your child?

If your child needs more help or has additional needs, you can visit our specific section for extra support.

Peeing, pooing and toileting for additional needs


Last reviewed: 1 November, 2023

Information

Who can help

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby's poo, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.

You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

Was this page helpful?

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You must log in to save content

Click below to log in or create a new account

Login

You must log in to save content

Click below to log in or create a new account

Login