Is my baby's poo colour normal?

Newborns, on average, tend to need 10 to 12 nappy changes a day. That’s over 500 nappies in the first 6 weeks. So don’t be shocked if ‘baby poo’ suddenly becomes your favourite thing to talk about.

Despite the obvious challenges of changing nappies, the benefits are clear. Checking your baby’s nappies will help you monitor their health and wellbeing.

Your baby’s poo colour may change from one day to the next, and that is also normal. Various shades of brown to green and yellow tones, are usually an indication of healthy poos.

Meconium is your newborn’s first poo. It is a very dark, blackish-green shade and sticky in consistency. This black poo will change colour after the first 5 days depending on whether they are breastfed, or formula-fed.

Yellow baby poo is the most common, normal colour for breastfed baby poo. 

Brown baby poo is the most common, normal colour for formula-fed baby poo.

Green baby poo is one of the most common variations to the yellow baby poo or brown baby poo variants. If your baby is well, green poos are not usually a cause for concern and can be considered a normal colour variation in the baby poo rainbow. 

Black poo after the first 5 days

It’s normal for newborns to have black poo, known as meconium, as their first bowel movement, but if you find a black poo after 5 days, it could indicate a health problem. 

Baby poo colour can also change when introducing solids, typically at around 6 months. Depending on the food your 6 month old baby has eaten, you may find blueberries for example make your baby ‘s poo appear darker or a black colour. If you are concerned about the colour of your baby’s poo speak to your GP or healthcare professional for medical advice.

Red poo or blood in poo

If you notice any blood in your baby’s poo it is important to seek immediate medical attention. It may indicate a health problem. If your baby is eating solid foods, red coloured foods or foods containing red food colouring it may make their poo appear red.

White poo or pale poo

White or pale baby poo can indicate a health problem. You should call your GP or healthcare professional immediately if you find pale poo in your child’s nappy.

·       Finding black poop at any age may be quite surprising but not necessarily a health problem. If your child has recently eaten blackberries, black liquorice, blueberries or dark chocolate their poo can darken to an almost black colour.

·       Red coloured foods like beets, cranberries, red plums or foods containing red food colouring may make their poo appear red.

·       Artificial food colouring, common in drink mixes or ice creams, can tint their poo a range of colours, from red to green and everything in between.

The information in this article is general only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. Only consult your GP or healthcare professional for medical advice.

Blood in baby poo

Blood in poop can mean different things depending on your baby’s age. Blood in poo might look bright red and be mixed with mucus, or it might look dark brown or black. It’s a good idea to take photos of the poo with blood so you can show your GP.

Mucus in baby poo

Occasional mucus in baby poo on its own is not usually a cause for concern, it could be the result of digestion or your baby swallowing mucus from a cold. Persistent mucus in baby poo alongside other symptoms may indicate an allergy and you should contact your GP or healthcare professional for advice.

Undigested milk in baby stool

Milk fat does not always get fully digested in a baby’s stomach, so they pass cottage cheese-like milk curds in their poo. Although most common in breastfed baby poo, as breast milk has a higher fat content, it can also be present in formula-fed baby poo. If your baby’s poopis otherwise normal and they show no other symptoms this need not be a cause for concern.

Green, frothy, explosive poo in breastfed babies

Most healthy babies can digest the lactose in normal milk. However, if your baby consumes a lot of low-fat milk too quickly, it can cause lactose overload, leading to gas, explosive stools, and noticeable discomfort.  Contact the Careline, your GP or your healthcare professional for feeding advice to reduce symptoms.

Foamy or frothy poo in formula-fed babies

In formula-fed babies, foamy poo may indicate a lactose intolerance. If you are concerned speak to your GP or healthcare professional for guidance.

Most changes in your baby’s poo are normal. However, if your baby is experiencing any of the following symptoms or if you have any concerns, check in with your GP or healthcare professional.

If your baby is straining and pushing out hard, dry pebbles or if you see blood in their poo, they may have constipation. It’s more common in formula-fed babies and can be associated with starting solid food. This can be upsetting and painful for you and your baby so speak to your GP or healthcare professional.

Babies often have soft poo, especially breastfed babies. However, poos that are looser, more watery, or come more frequently than usual are known as diarrhoea. It could be from changes to their diet or if your baby is vomiting as well, it might be a gut infection. It’s important to see your GP immediately to make sure that your baby doesn’t get dehydrated.

Any sudden change in colour, consistency, or frequency of your baby's poop should be discussed with your GP or healthcare professional.

The information in this article is general only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. Only consult your GP or healthcare professional for medical advice.

If you’re new to parenting or it’s been a while since your last nappy change and you’re not familiar with the range of colours and consistency of baby poo, it’s helpful to track their nappies.

Poo Tracker is designed to help you during conversations with your healthcare professional by providing a clear, photographic history of your baby’s poo.

This is not a medical or diagnostic tool. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.