Your baby's stool (poo) will probably vary from day to day or week to week.
Some babies have a dirty nappy after every feed. Other babies may only have a dirty nappy once a day, or every few days.
Expect a change in the texture, colour and smell of your baby's poo if you have recently introduced:
- a new formula milk
- anything other than breast milk or formula - for example, medicine or pain relief
Your baby is not constipated if their poo is soft, even if they have not pooed for 1 or 2 days. After the first few weeks of breastfeeding, some babies do not poo for a few days.
Newborn nappies
Your baby’s poo will be sticky and green or black for the first few days. This is called meconium. This will then change to a yellow colour.
Breastfed babies usually have runny nappies that do not smell. Formula-fed babies have more solid poo with a stronger smell.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP or public health nurse (PHN) if:
- you notice a change in your baby's poo - for example, if their poo is very smelly, pale, watery, harder, or contains blood
Blood or white discharge in a newborn nappy
If you have a girl, you may see a white discharge on her nappy for a few days after birth. There may also be a little blood.
This is caused by hormones that have crossed the placenta to your baby. But these will soon disappear from her system. It's nothing to worry about.
Older babies' nappies
It's normal to start introducing family foods to your baby's diet when they are about 6 months old. This is called weaning.
As you introduce family foods, your baby’s poos will change in colour and texture. This is linked to what they eat.
The poo may become thicker, smellier and slightly darker in colour. It is also normal for the poo to be a similar colour and texture to the food you are feeding your baby.
The number of dirty nappies at this age varies. Some babies may poo more than once a day while others go days without a dirty nappy. Each baby is different.
The important thing at this stage is to watch your baby’s routine and recognise what is normal for them. This can help you notice any sudden changes that may be a cause for concern.