Baby Poop Color Chart
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: Baby poop color chart: black, sticky meconium is normal in the first 1-2 days, turning green-brown, then mustard yellow (breastfed) or pale yellow to brown (formula). Green is often normal. Call your pediatrician for white, grey or chalky pale poo, red blood, or black poo after the meconium days.
TL;DR
- Meconium, then yellow or brown: normal.
- Green is usually fine.
- White, pale, red or black later: call your doctor.
Nothing teaches you more about the colour spectrum than a newborn. Here's a baby poop color chart with what's normal and what isn't.
Baby poop color chart
| Colour | Usually means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Black, tar-like (days 1-2) | Meconium | Normal |
| Dark green to brown (days 3-4) | Transitional stool | Normal |
| Mustard yellow, seedy | Breast milk | Normal |
| Pale yellow to tan, firmer | Formula | Normal |
| Green | Fast transit, foremilk, illness, iron | Usually normal; mention if persistent |
| White, grey or chalky pale | Possible liver or bile problem | Call your pediatrician the same day |
| Red streaks or blood | Fissure, allergy, infection | Call your pediatrician |
| Black after day 4 | Possible digested blood | Call your pediatrician |
Pale poo and jaundice
The NHS and AAP note that pale, chalky poo or dark urine in a baby with jaundice needs urgent assessment. See newborn jaundice.
Texture matters too
Breastfed poo is runny and seedy; formula poo is thicker, like peanut butter. Hard, pebble-like poo may mean constipation; very watery, frequent poo may mean diarrhoea. Both are worth a call if your baby seems unwell or has fewer wet diapers.
After starting solids
Colours and smells change with food, and you may see bits of undigested food. That's normal.
Logging diapers
Tot logs each diaper change with its time. Taking a photo of an unusual diaper to show your doctor can help.
Related: newborn diaper count · diaper tracker · diaper count calculator · newborn first week
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Sources
- NHS: How to change your baby's nappy (what baby poo looks like): www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Jaundice in Newborns: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: Jaundice in babies: www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
Is green baby poop normal?
Usually, yes. Call if it persists with fussiness, poor feeding or weight concerns.
What does breastfed baby poop look like?
Mustard yellow, runny and seedy.
When should I worry about baby poop color?
White, grey, pale, red or black (after meconium days): call your pediatrician.
Why is my baby's poop orange?
Usually normal, often from formula or food.
How often should a newborn poo?
From day 4, at least 2 times a day in breastfed babies in the first weeks (NHS).
Related guides
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