Diapers & poop
What’s normal, and colours to call about
When to get help: fever, breathing, feeding and other warning signs. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Wet diapers
- In the first days, wet diapers go up by about one a day: about 1 on day 1, 2 on day 2 and so on. From about day 6: at least 6 a day.
- Fewer wet diapers, dark yellow pee or a dry mouth can mean your baby needs more milk: call your doctor.
Poop
- The first poops are black and sticky (meconium). They turn green, then yellow by about day 5.
- Breastfed babies often have soft, seedy yellow poop, sometimes after every feed, or sometimes only every few days after the first weeks. Formula poop is usually firmer and tan.
- Green or brown can be normal too.
Call your doctor about
- White, pale grey or clay-coloured poop (any age), red streaks or blood, or black poop after the first few days.
- Very watery poop many times a day, or hard pellets with straining and discomfort.
Diaper rash
- Change often, let the skin air-dry, and use a thick barrier cream. See your doctor if the rash is bright red, raw, has spots or blisters, or doesn’t improve in a few days.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- NHS (UK National Health Service)
- Raising Children Network (Australia)
General information for most babies, not medical advice. Your doctor, nurse or midwife knows your baby: always ask them, and call your local emergency number in an emergency.