Newborn Poop Color Chart: Health Guide by Color
Every diaper change reveals a different color, and it's natural to worry. Yellow, green, brown... which colors are normal and which are warning signs? This guide provides a newborn poop color chart with explanations for each color.
Newborn Poop Color Chart
| Color | Status | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark green/Black | Normal (Meconium) | Days 1-3 after birth, sticky meconium | Monitor |
| Yellow/Mustard | Normal | Typical breastfed baby stool | Monitor |
| Tan/Brown | Normal | Typical formula-fed baby stool | Monitor |
| Greenish-brown | Normal | Transitional stool or iron intake | Monitor |
| Bright green | Usually normal | Fast transit, foremilk/hindmilk imbalance | Identify cause |
| Orange | Normal | Food coloring from carrots, etc. | Monitor |
| Red spots/streaks | Caution | Possible anal fissure or blood | Consult pediatrician |
| Black (after meconium) | Warning | Possible upper GI bleeding | See doctor immediately |
| White/Gray | Warning | Bile duct issue, lack of bile | See doctor immediately |
Detailed Explanation by Color
Dark Green/Black (Meconium) - Normal
This is meconium, passed in the first 1-3 days after birth.
Characteristics:
- Sticky, tar-like texture
- Almost no smell
- Made of amniotic fluid, mucus swallowed in the womb
Yellow/Mustard - Normal
Typical stool color for breastfed babies.
Characteristics:
- Bright yellow to mustard color
- Contains seed-like particles
- Loose, soft texture
- Slightly sour smell
This color is a good sign that baby is getting enough breast milk.
Tan/Brown - Normal
Typical for formula-fed babies or babies starting solids.
Characteristics:
- Tan to light brown
- Firmer than breastfed baby stool
- Peanut butter-like consistency
- Slightly stronger smell
Greenish-Brown - Normal
Appears for various normal reasons.
Causes:
- Transition from meconium to regular stool
- Iron-fortified formula
- Iron supplements
- Green vegetable baby food
No need to worry.
Bright Green - Usually Normal
Bright green stool has several causes.
Common causes:
- Foremilk/hindmilk imbalance (breastfeeding)
- Fast gut transit time
- Viral infection
- Food sensitivity
Check points:
- Usually normal if no other symptoms
- Consult pediatrician if persists 2+ weeks
Orange - Normal
Common in babies who've started solids.
Causes:
- Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash
- Some formula ingredients
It's just food color coming through - no worries.
Red Spots/Streaks - Caution
Seeing red can be alarming, but it's not always dangerous.
Common causes (usually minor):
- Small tears around the anus
- Minor bleeding from constipation
- Mom's nipple bleeding (mixed in milk)
Warning signs:
- Significant bright red blood
- Blood with jelly-like mucus
- Baby seems in pain or very fussy
If you see red, consult your pediatrician.
Black (After Meconium) - Warning
Black stool after the meconium period needs attention.
Possible causes:
- Upper GI bleeding (stomach, esophagus)
- Swallowed blood (rarely from mom during feeding)
Action: See doctor immediately
Note: Dark green stool from iron supplements is normal.
White/Gray - Warning
This is the most concerning color.
Causes:
- Bile not reaching the intestines
- Possible biliary atresia
- Liver problems
Characteristics:
- Pale, colorless
- Gray or white
- Clay-like texture
What Else to Check with Color
Don't just look at color - check these too:
1. Consistency
- Is it similar to usual?
- Not too hard or too watery?
2. Frequency
- Any sudden increase or decrease?
- Breastfed: 1-10 times/day
- Formula-fed: 1-4 times/day
3. Smell
- Unusually foul compared to normal?
4. Baby's Condition
- Eating well?
- Not fussy?
- No fever?
Analyze Poop Color with BebeSnap
Tired of searching "is this color normal?" every time? Use BebeSnap's AI Stool Analysis to check with just one photo.
How to use:
Step 1: Tap 'Analysis' tab at the bottom
Step 2: Take a diaper photo with camera icon
Step 3: Answer questions about feeding method, baby's age, etc.
Step 4: AI analyzes color, consistency, and special notes, providing overall assessment
It tells you not just the color assessment, but also whether you should see a doctor.
👉 Learn more about AI Stool Analysis
References
Manage Easier with BebeSnap
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