What does normal newborn poop look like?
1 min read
Normal newborn poop shifts in color and texture as your baby's digestive system matures, and a wide range of yellows, browns, and greens all falls within the healthy range.
For the first few days, stools are meconium: thick, black or dark green, and tarry. Once that clears, breastfed babies usually have mustardy-yellow, loose stools with little seed-like curds, while formula-fed babies tend toward tan or yellow stools that are firmer but no harder than soft clay. Occasional green stools are common and not a cause for alarm.
Texture matters as much as color. Until solids start, soft-to-runny stools are expected, and infant poop is normally a little loose.
What you can do
- Expect black, tarry meconium in the first few days.
- Look for mustardy-yellow, seedy stools in breastfed babies.
- Don't worry about occasional green or color shifts.
- Call your pediatrician for white/pale, black (after meconium), or bloody stool.
Based on AAP guidance. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
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