What does baby poop color mean? 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Below, learn what changes to expect as a baby grows and how to recognize unhealthy baby poop. In infants, the main reasons for changes in stool color are age, diet, and health. The poop of newborns is almost black, while older infants tend to have yellow or brown poop. Breast milk and formula can also influence the color of a baby’s stools. Red or white poop can indicate a health problem. Otherwise, a wide range of colors is normal. Anyone who suspects that a baby has diarrhea or constipation should seek medical advice. Poop colors and causes Share on PinterestVarious factors can cause changes in the color of a baby’s stools. Common colors and their causes include: Black In newborns younger than 1 week, black is a healthy color for stool. After this time, however, it could indicate a health problem. During the first 24 hours of life, a newborn will pass meconium. This is thick, black stool. It comprises cells, amniotic fluid, bile, and mucus that the baby ingested while in the womb. Meconium is sterile, so it usually does not smell. Over the first few days of life, a newborn will continue to pass meconium. The color should gradually change from black to dark green, then yellow. After 1 week of life, stool should no longer be black. If a black color persists, it is important to seek medical advice. This color could mean that there is some bleeding in the digestive system. Yellow This is a normal color of poop from a baby who drinks breast milk. Their poop tends to be dark yellow, and it may have small flecks in it. These flecks come from breast milk and are harmless. People often describe this poop as “seedy.” The so-called seeds may resemble curds in cottage cheese, but they are yellow. Brown or orange This is a normal color of poop from a formula-fed baby. When a baby drinks formula, their poop tends to be light brown or orange. It may be slightly darker and firmer than stool from a baby who drinks breast milk. Green Many babies occasionally have green poop. Possible causes include:slow digestion, usually because the baby has eaten more than usualgreen foods in the diet of the person producing breast milka cold or stomach buga food allergy or intoleranceantibiotics, either in the baby or in the person producing breast milktreatment for jaundice Some infants’ poop is naturally slightly green. If the baby is putting on weight and seems content, green poop is not necessarily a cause for concern. Learn more about green poop in children. Red Red is not a healthy poop color. Poop is usually red because there is blood in it. Parents or caregivers should seek medical advice as soon as possible. The baby may have a health problem, or they may have swallowed a small amount of blood. This could happen if the person breastfeeding them has cracked or bleeding nipples. Another cause of red poop is bleeding from the baby’s bottom. White White poop is uncommon, but white is not a healthy color for stool. It could indicate a liver problem. Jaundice, for example, is highly common in newborns, affecting about 60% of full-term babies in their first few days of life. It usually goes away within the first 2 weeks. Anyone who suspects that their baby still has jaundice after 14 days should check the color of their poop. Pale or white poop may suggest liver disease. Another sign to look for is urine that is very dark yellow or brown. If the baby has white or pale stool, the doctor may test their bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a compound that helps the body get rid of waste. There are two types of bilirubin, and if the levels of one type are too high, this can cause health problems. Baby poop types Baby poop can also have a variety of textures and other features. Before an infant starts eating solid food, their poop is usually very soft. Babies who drink breast milk may have quite runny or stringy poop, while formula-fed babies tend to have firmer, but not solid, poop. Mucus in a baby’s stool is also common and rarely a sign of any health issue. However, if the baby shows other signs of unusual behavior or illness, it is important to speak with a doctor. Dry or hard poop can mean that a baby is not drinking enough fluids or that they are ill. After an infant starts to eat solid foods, hard poop can also be a sign of constipation. Babies commonly become constipated when they eat foods that their body cannot yet digest properly. Very watery stool can result from diarrhea. A baby with diarrhea may also poop more often than usual or have a high temperature. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is potentially serious for infants. Every baby is different, and some poop more often than others. Many newborns poop after each feeding, though they tend to pass stool less frequently once they reach 6 weeks of age. Babies who drink breast milk may only poop once a week. A healthy frequency for formula-fed babies is once per day. Learn more about constipation in babies. When to contact a doctor As a baby grows, their poop often changes color. For example, as an infant starts to eat solid foods, what they eat may affect the color of their poop. Undigested food in stool can also cause a change in color. Unusual colors, such as green, may not signal a health issue. Stool color may vary for a short time and then return to its regular shade. White, red, or black are the exceptions — these colors can indicate a health problem. Also, if a lot of mucus is present or it appears in stool on an ongoing basis, this could signal an illness. Parents or caregivers should contact a doctor if they have any concerns regarding an infant’s health. Healthy poop in babies Newborns generally poop frequently, sometimes after every feed. Infants older than 3 weeks may poop anywhere between 8–12 times a day to less than once a day. Healthy poop can be shades of yellow, orange, brown, or green, and the texture may be runny to fairly firm. It should not be hard or watery. Babies often strain a little as they pass stool and may make noises or scrunch up their faces. This is normal. However, too much straining or discomfort when pooping could be a sign of constipation. Summary Poop color can be one way to keep track of a baby’s health. Stool that is quite soft and earthy in color is generally healthy. However, red or white poop often signals a health issue that requires attention. Black stool from babies older than 1 week may also be a cause for concern. Overall, as long as an infant is gaining weight and feeding as often as they need, a broad range of poop colors is healthy. Parents or caregivers should discuss any concerns with a doctor. Last medically reviewed on July 11, 2022GastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyNutrition / DietPediatrics / Children's HealthParenthood06 MonthsMedically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — By Claire Sissons — Updated on July 11, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageThe best home remedies for baby constipationMedically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP Babies rarely experience constipation, but it can occur. 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