As a new parent, you'll become surprisingly interested in your baby's diaper contents. Understanding what's normal can help you monitor your baby's health and know when to contact your pediatrician.

Newborn Poop: The First Few Days

Meconium (Days 1-3)

• Color: Dark green to black
• Texture: Thick, sticky, tar-like
• What it is: Your baby's first stool, made up of amniotic fluid, mucus, and other materials from the womb.

Transitional Stool (Days 3-5)

• Color: Green-brown to yellow-brown
• Texture: Less sticky, becoming softer
• What it means: Your baby is transitioning from meconium to normal newborn stool.

Breastfed Baby Poop

Normal Characteristics

• Color: Mustard yellow, sometimes with green tints
• Texture: Soft, seedy, cottage cheese-like
• Smell: Sweet or mild odor
• Frequency: Several times per day to once every few days

Formula-Fed Baby Poop

Normal Characteristics

• Color: Yellow to brown
• Texture: Firmer than breastfed baby poop, peanut butter consistency
• Smell: Stronger odor than breastfed baby poop
• Frequency: Usually daily, more regular schedule

When to Contact Your Pediatrician

Concerning Signs

• Red or black poop (after the first few days)
• White or clay-colored stool
• Hard, pellet-like stools
• No stool for more than 3 days in formula-fed babies
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Sudden changes in color, consistency, or frequency

Tracking Diaper Changes

Keeping track of your baby's bowel movements helps you establish their normal pattern and identify any concerning changes. Use a diaper tracking app like BabyZone to:

• Log diaper contents and timing
• Note any unusual colors or textures
• Track patterns over time
• Share information with your pediatrician

Remember

Every baby is different, and what's normal can vary. When in doubt, trust your instincts and don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider with concerns.