One of the most common questions new parents ask is what does newborn poo look like? Nappies can be surprising in the early days, and changes in colour, texture, and frequency often cause worry. The good news is that newborn poo goes through several normal stages, and most variations are completely expected.
This guide explains what newborn poo looks like at different stages, what’s normal for breastfed and formula-fed babies, and when it might be a sign to seek advice.
What Does Newborn Poo Look Like in the First Few Days?
In the first 24–48 hours after birth, your baby will pass meconium. This is your baby’s first poo and looks very different from what comes later.
Meconium is:
- Thick and sticky
- Dark green or almost black
- Tar-like in appearance
This is normal and expected. Meconium is made up of substances your baby swallowed in the womb, such as amniotic fluid and cells from the intestinal lining. Passing meconium shows that your baby’s digestive system is working as it should.
Transitional Poo: Days 3–5
As feeding becomes established, newborn poo changes. This stage is known as transitional stool and helps answer the question many parents ask: what does newborn poo look like after meconium?
Transitional poo may:
- Be greenish-brown, yellow, or mustard-coloured
- Look looser or grainy
- Appear less sticky than meconium
This change is a positive sign that milk intake is increasing and digestion is progressing normally.
What Does Newborn Poo Look Like When Breastfed?
For breastfed babies, newborn poo typically becomes:
- Yellow or mustard-coloured
- Soft, loose, or runny
- Seedy or grainy in texture
Breastfed newborns may poo very frequently—sometimes after every feed—or may go a day or two without a bowel movement. Both patterns can be normal, as long as your baby is feeding well and gaining weight.
Breastfed poo often has a mild or slightly sweet smell, which can surprise parents expecting something stronger.
What Does Newborn Poo Look Like When Formula Fed?
Formula-fed babies tend to have poo that is:
- Pale yellow, tan, or light brown
- Thicker or more paste-like
- Less frequent than breastfed poo
Formula-fed newborns usually poo at least once a day, but some may go every other day. As long as the poo is soft and your baby is comfortable, this is usually normal.
How Often Should a Newborn Poo?
Frequency varies widely, which is why focusing on what the poo looks like is often more helpful than how often it happens.
In general:
- In the first few weeks, many newborns poo multiple times per day
- Some breastfed babies may poo less often after the early weeks
- Constipation is rare in newborns if stools are soft
Straining, grunting, or going red in the face is common in young babies and does not necessarily mean constipation. This is often due to an immature nervous system rather than difficulty passing poo.
What Newborn Poo Colours Are Normal?
Understanding what does newborn poo look like also means knowing which colours are typical.
Normal colours include:
- Black or dark green (meconium)
- Green, yellow, or mustard
- Brown or tan (more common with formula)
Colours that may need checking include:
- White or pale grey (may indicate a liver or bile issue)
- Bright red blood (not associated with a small fissure)
- Black poo after the meconium stage
If you notice these colours, contact your GP, midwife, or health visitor for advice.
When Should I Be Concerned About Newborn Poo?
Seek medical advice if:
- Poo is consistently very pale or white
- There is persistent blood or mucus
- Your baby has diarrhoea and seems unwell
- Poo changes suddenly alongside poor feeding, lethargy, or fever
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always appropriate to ask for support.
The Bottom Line
So, what does newborn poo look like? It changes frequently in the early weeks and varies depending on feeding type. Most colours and textures are normal and simply reflect your baby’s developing digestive system.
Learning what’s typical can help you feel more confident and reassured as you get to know your baby. When in doubt, your midwife, health visitor, or GP can offer guidance and reassurance.
For a deeper understanding of newborn care, the New Mum, New Baby course includes practical guidance on baby poo, nappies, feeding, and early development.
https://www.nowbaby.co.uk/on-demand/new-mum-new-baby-classes/