Newborn poo, wee and nappies: what’s normal

Nappies tell you a lot about how your baby is doing. Here’s what to expect, based on NHS guidance.

The first poos

The NHS says your baby’s first poo is sticky and greenish-black, called meconium. Babies may pass it during or after birth, or within the first 48 hours. After a few days, poo turns yellow or mustard-coloured.

Breast milk and formula

Breastfed babies: poo is runny and doesn’t smell. Newborns may poo at each feed, and after about 6 weeks may skip several days.
Formula-fed babies: poo is firmer, darker brown and smellier. Some formulas can make it dark green. Newborns may poo up to 5 times a day, falling to about once a day after a few months.

The NHS says babies do at least 2 poos a day in the first week. Straining or crying during a poo is normal. A baby isn’t constipated if their poo is soft, even after a few days without one. See top tips for constipation in babies.

Wet nappies

In the first 48 hours, breastfed babies may have only 2 or 3 wet nappies. From day 5, expect at least 6 in 24 hours. The UNICEF Baby Friendly checklist adds at least 3 wet nappies on days 3 to 4 and at least 5 on days 5 to 6. Separately, the NHS says young babies may need changing as many as 10 to 12 times a day, which is about how often you change them, not a target for wet nappies.

When to get advice

Talk to a GP or health visitor if poo becomes very smelly, very watery, or harder, especially if there is blood in it.
Poo that is a pale creamy colour can be a sign of jaundice, and so can dark yellow or brown pee. Ask for an urgent GP or midwife appointment, or call NHS 111. See newborn jaundice.
The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if your baby hasn’t had a pee in the past 12 hours. Call NHS 111 if you’re unsure what to do. (The NHS’s 8 hours is about drinks: get advice if your baby has had nothing to drink for 8 hours while awake.)

Questions people ask

My baby’s first poo is black. Is that OK?

Yes. The first poo, called meconium, is sticky and greenish-black.

Is green poo a problem?

The NHS says some formulas can make poo dark green. If you’re worried, ask your health visitor or GP.

My baby strains and goes red. Are they constipated?

The NHS says straining or crying during a poo is normal. A baby isn’t constipated if the poo is soft.