Newborn poo and wet nappies: what is normal and what is not
How many wet and dirty nappies to expect day by day, what each poo colour means, constipation, diarrhoea, dehydration signs and nappy rash basics.
Educational content only, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or health visitor about your child.
In this article
- How many wet and dirty nappies should a newborn have?
- What colour should newborn poo be?
- Is my baby constipated or just straining?
- What does diarrhoea look like in a baby?
- What are the signs of dehydration in a baby?
- When to get medical help
- How do I prevent and treat nappy rash?
- How can I keep track of my baby's nappies?
In the first 48 hours most newborns have only 2 or 3 wet nappies (diapers) and pass black, sticky meconium. Over the next few days poo turns greenish, then yellow, and from about day 5 you should see at least 6 heavy wet nappies every 24 hours. Yellow, brown and even green poo are all normal. Red, black (after the meconium has passed) or white, pale or chalky poo needs medical advice quickly.
This guide follows the NHS and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is educational, not medical advice. If you are unsure about your own baby, talk to your midwife, health visitor, doctor or paediatrician.
How many wet and dirty nappies should a newborn have?
Counting nappies is a simple way to tell your baby is getting enough milk. The NHS and the AAP give slightly different numbers, so the table shows both. Use it as a rough guide.
| Baby's age | Wet nappies | Dirty nappies |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 2 | 2 or 3 in the first 48 hours (NHS) | 1 or 2 a day, black and tarry meconium (AAP) |
| Days 3 to 4 | Getting more frequent and heavier | At least 2 a day, turning greenish to yellow (AAP) |
| Days 5 to 7 | At least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours (NHS and AAP) | At least 2 soft yellow poos a day from day 4 (NHS), or 3 to 4 a day (AAP) |
| Week 2 to 6 | At least 6 heavy, wet nappies a day | At least 2 yellow poos a day, often more (NHS) |
| After 6 weeks | Still around 6 or more | Breastfed babies may go less often, and that can be normal |
The NHS describes a healthy early poo as about the size of a £2 coin, which is roughly the size of a US quarter.
Newborn and size 1 nappies
A bulk box costs less per nappy than the small packs. Newborns use 8 to 12 a day.
The NHS says to speak to your midwife or health visitor if a young baby has not pooed for 24 to 48 hours, as it can be a sign they are not getting enough milk. You can read more about feed amounts in our guide to how much a newborn should eat.
What colour should newborn poo be?
Meconium, days 1 to 3
Your baby's first poos are meconium: thick, sticky, black or very dark green. It is completely normal and usually clears within the first few days. By around day 3 to 4 it should be changing to a lighter, looser greenish poo.
Breastfed babies
Breastfed poo is usually mustard yellow, soft or runny, and often has small "seeds" or curds in it.
Formula-fed babies
Formula-fed poo tends to be yellow-tan or pale brown, a little firmer, though usually no firmer than soft clay, and often has hints of green. Green on its own is not a reason to worry, according to the AAP.
Colours that need medical advice
| Colour | What it can mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Red or streaks of blood | Can be blood, sometimes swallowed during birth or from a cracked nipple | Tell your doctor or health visitor. Any bloody poo should be checked |
| Black, after the meconium days | Blood turns black as it passes through the gut | Contact your doctor promptly |
| White, pale, grey or chalky | Can be a sign of a liver problem | Get medical advice urgently, the same day. Keep a nappy to show |
Some liver problems are much easier to treat when found early, so do not wait. Pale poo with yellow skin or eyes, or dark pee, is even more reason to call. Our newborn first weeks guide covers jaundice in more detail.
Is my baby constipated or just straining?
Most young babies go red in the face, grunt and strain when they poo. This is normal: they are learning to use their tummy muscles lying down. If the poo is soft, your baby is not constipated.
The NHS lists these as signs of constipation in babies:
- Pooing fewer than 3 times in a week
- Dry, hard, lumpy or pellet-like poo
- Difficulty pooing, or unusually large poos
- Unusually smelly wind and poo
- A firm tummy, being less hungry or a bit grumpy
After about 6 weeks, some breastfed babies poo less often and are perfectly well, as long as the poo is soft and they are feeding and gaining weight.
Things the NHS suggests trying:
- Lie your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion.
- Try a gentle tummy massage if they are comfortable.
- If your baby has formula, check you are making it up exactly as the tin says, and offer a little extra cooled boiled water between feeds.
Speak to your health visitor or GP if things do not improve after a few days. Do not give laxatives or home remedies to a baby without advice.
What does diarrhoea look like in a baby?
Breastfed poo is naturally runny, so look for a sudden change: many more poos than usual, very watery poo, or poo with mucus or blood.
Keep breastfeeding or formula feeding as normal, do not dilute formula, and watch for dehydration.
What are the signs of dehydration in a baby?
- Fewer wet nappies than usual, or dark yellow pee
- A sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head
- A dry mouth or lips
- Few or no tears when crying
- Being unusually sleepy, floppy or irritable
If you notice any of these, call your doctor or urgent advice line (NHS 111 in the UK) the same day.
When to get medical help
Call your emergency number (999 in the UK, 911 in the US) if your baby:
- Has signs of dehydration and is very sleepy, hard to wake, or not responding as usual
- Has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- Is struggling to breathe or breathing very fast
- Has had no wet nappies at all and seems unwell
Get urgent medical advice the same day if your baby:
- Has white, pale, grey or chalky poo
- Has red or black poo after the meconium days
- Has fewer wet nappies than expected, or dark pee
- Has diarrhoea, keeps being sick, or stops feeding
- Is feeding poorly or seems unwell in any way that worries you
If your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, get medical help straight away. Our baby fever guide explains what to do.
How do I prevent and treat nappy rash?
Nappy rash is red, sore or spotty skin in the nappy area. It is very common and usually clears at home.
- Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as you can.
- Clean gently with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby wipes.
- Pat the skin dry and give some nappy-free time each day.
- Make sure nappies fit well and are not too tight.
- Avoid soap, bubble bath, baby lotion and talc on the area.
- A pharmacist may suggest a thin layer of barrier cream at each change.
Sensitive water wipes
Mostly water, fragrance free, kind to newborn skin. Buy the multipack.
Nappy rash cream
A zinc barrier cream for red bottoms. One tube in the changing bag, one at home.
See your GP or health visitor if the rash does not settle after a week, keeps coming back, spreads into the skin creases, has bright red patches with small red or white spots, or your baby seems unwell or has a fever.
How can I keep track of my baby's nappies?
In the blurry first weeks it is easy to lose count. A simple log gives you real numbers to share at checks.
Baby Growth Tracker Pro lets you log nappies, feeds and sleep in one tap, and keep track of growth and milestones. It works offline. For a wider overview of newborn care, visit our baby care hub.
Frequently asked questions
How many wet nappies should a 1 week old baby have?
From about day 5 onwards, both the NHS and the AAP say to expect at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours. In the first 48 hours, 2 or 3 wet nappies is normal.
Is green poo normal in a baby?
Usually, yes. The AAP lists green alongside yellow and brown as normal colours. Talk to your doctor if it comes with diarrhoea or your baby seems unwell.
What does pale or white baby poo mean?
White, pale, grey or chalky poo can be a sign of a liver problem and needs medical advice urgently, the same day. Keep the nappy or take a photo to show the doctor.
How long can a breastfed baby go without pooing?
In the first 6 weeks, a breastfed baby should usually do at least 2 poos a day, and the NHS advises contacting your midwife or health visitor if there is none for 24 to 48 hours. After 6 weeks, some breastfed babies go several days, which can be normal if the poo is soft and they are feeding well.
What are pink or orange stains in a newborn's nappy?
In the first few days, pink, orange or brick-red stains are often urates, a sign of concentrated pee. They should fade as feeding gets going. If they continue after the first few days, or your baby has few wet nappies, speak to your midwife or doctor.
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