Baby Poop Chart: Colors, Textures and When To Worry

Something no one tells you before becoming a parent is how often you’ll think about, analyze, look at and talk about baby poop. While it’s no one’s favorite part of the job, understanding how a baby’s poop frequency, color and consistency relate to their diet and health is crucial info for new parents. 

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about your baby’s stools, from what’s normal (and what’s not) to a few handy poop charts that can help guide you. Let’s get to it!

What Should Baby Poop Look Like?

Baby poo can vary in color, texture and frequency, and most of these differences are completely normal. Several key factors influence what your baby’s stool looks like:

• Age: Newborns, infants and older babies often have distinct stool patterns, from sticky meconium and frothy newborn poop to more formed stools.

• Diet: Breastfed, formula-fed or combination-fed babies have stools that differ in color, texture and consistency.

• Feeding type: Exclusively fed babies usually show more predictable patterns than those who receive a mix of breast milk and formula.

• Introduction of solids: Adding solid foods can change stool color, consistency and frequency as the digestive system adapts.

• Digestive differences: Every baby is unique. Some have frequent, soft stools, while others may go days without pooping. Both are normal as long as stools aren’t hard or painful.

Most variations in baby poop are harmless, especially when tied to diet changes. Healthy stools can be yellow, brown or green and can range from loose to pasty, depending on what your baby eats. However, certain colors and textures deserve extra attention, so let's explore stool colors, textures and when it’s time to call your pediatrician.

Breastfed vs. Formula-Fed Baby Poop

First things first — your baby’s poop will look different depending on what they’re fed. This makes sense! It’s true for adults, too. Here’s a closer look at what your little one’s stool may look like based on what they’re eating:

Formula Fed Baby Poop

Formula fed babies often have darker green stools, and their baby formula poop tends to be a bit thicker and smoother in texture. Infant formula stools are also more consistent from day to day because your baby’s diet doesn’t vary (unlike breastfed babies, who receive a mix of proteins from the lactating parent’s meals). Formula-fed infants may also poop less frequently, sometimes going several days between bowel movements.

Breastfed Baby Poop

Babies who are exclusively breastfed typically have frequent, soft-to-loose yellow stools that may appear seedy. Those “seeds” are simply bits of undigested milk proteins, and they’re completely normal. Breastfed baby poop often has a mildly sweet or “yeasty” smell, similar to popcorn or fresh bread. Nursing babies also tend to poop more often and may have several bowel movements a day. This is common and nothing to worry about!

Combo Feeding Baby Poop

If you’re supplementing with formula (also known as combo feeding), your baby’s stools will likely resemble formula-fed poop more than breastfed poop. But because your baby is receiving a mix of breast milk and formula, you might notice some variation from day to day. This is completely normal and simply reflects how your baby’s digestive system is processing different types of milk.

Baby Poop Colors (and What They Mean)

Baby poop truly comes in a rainbow of colors — some completely normal, others a sign to check in with your pediatrician. Here’s what each shade can mean:

Black Baby Poop

Your baby’s first stool after birth, called meconium, is sticky, tar-like and typically dark green to black. You’ll usually see it in the first few wet diapers. After those early days, however, black poop is considered abnormal and warrants a call to your pediatrician. It can indicate dried or old blood passing through the intestines or, in some cases, excess iron.

Green Baby Poop

Light or dark green poop is normal and often common in formula-fed babies. The color typically comes from the iron used to fortify infant formula. While the sudden shift can be surprising when parents introduce formula to a previously exclusively breastfed little one, green stools don't signal an intolerance. All shades of green poo are normal for infants, especially those who haven’t started solids yet.

Yellow Baby Poop

Most exclusively breastfed babies have bright yellow stools, often similar to mustard. These stools can be thin or runny and may include small white bits of undigested milk proteins (also called curds). Parents sometimes mistake frequent, soft stools for diarrhea, but several runny or pasty yellow poops a day is completely normal for babies who haven’t started solids and are receiving only breast milk.

Brown Baby Poop

Once infants begin eating solid foods, their stools often shift to brown. As their intake and variety of foods increase, bowel movements naturally change in color and consistency — sometimes from day to day. While less common in infants under six months who haven’t started solids, brown stools on their own are not a cause for concern.

Red Baby Poop

Red stools, like black ones, warrant a call to your little one’s doctor. Red poop coloring often comes from fresh blood, which can indicate a cow’s milk protein allergy. Blood in the stool is typically a sign of gut inflammation caused by repeated exposure to the allergen; if unaddressed, this can affect nutrient absorption. 

Always have your pediatrician evaluate red stools to rule out other, less serious causes such as a small fissure or tear near the rectum.

White and Gray Baby Poop

Gray or white stool isn’t something you want to see. These colorless stools can signal gastrointestinal issues or liver disease, as the pale color often reflects a lack of bile or a blockage in bile flow. Light or colorless stools should prompt evaluation by your child’s doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Baby Poop Types

Let’s talk textures! Just like adult stool, newborn baby poop can show up in all kinds of consistencies. Many are perfectly normal, and a few are worth keeping an eye on:

• Thick and pasty: Common in formula-fed babies, these stools often have a Play-Doh or peanut butter-like texture.

• Thin and runny: Soft, loose stools are totally normal for infants. While adults tend to associate loose stool with illness, babies who are on an all-liquid diet (i.e., formula or breast milk) naturally have softer poop.

• Chunky: It’s okay if the stools aren’t uniform in consistency. Diet changes, illness and digestion can all affect how poop looks. Bits of undigested food or milk curds will show up from time to time and aren’t a concern.

• Formed: As you introduce table foods, your baby’s poop may become more formed — sometimes log-like or snake-like. This is expected! Solid stools are fine as long as they still squish slightly with gentle pressure (sorry for the visual).

• Hard: Very firm, pellet-like stools paired with infrequent bowel movements. If your baby consistently passes hard pellets that cause discomfort, your pediatrician may recommend offering “P” fruits like pears or prunes. Or, they may suggest increasing water intake (both after four to six months of age).

• Watery: Exceptionally loose, foamy or watery poop (especially after GI illness) can signal temporary lactose intolerance, also called secondary lactase deficiency. Your pediatrician may suggest trying a lactose-free formula, such as a hypoallergenic or soy-based option, or temporarily removing dairy from your baby’s diet. Reach out to your child’s doctor if watery stools persist or don’t seem to improve.

How Often Will Babies Poop?

Parents are often surprised to learn just how wide the normal range is for infant bowel movements. Some babies poop several times a day, while others may go a few days between poops — and both patterns can be perfectly normal. If your baby consistently goes a week or more without a bowel movement, or suddenly starts pooping far more often than usual, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician.

Remember, infrequency alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a concern. If stools are soft, even when spaced out, that’s typically fine. Issues arise when less frequent bowel movements are paired with stools that are hard, dry, or seem uncomfortable for your baby to pass.

When To Call Your Pediatrician

Your baby’s doctor is an excellent resource for anything poop-related. If you’re unsure about something — or want to share a picture or a diaper for reassurance — they’re there to help. Any unusual changes in color (especially black, red or white stool), consistency (such as very hard or very watery poop) or frequency should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. 

Baby Poop FAQs

Parents often have lots of questions about their baby’s poop. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns you may have along the way: 

What are the signs of unusual baby poop?

Unusual poop includes:

• Black (after the first few days), red, white or gray stools.

• Very hard or watery stools.

• Sudden changes in frequency or consistency. 

Contact your pediatrician if you notice these.

What is the “3 poop rule”?

The “3 poop rule” suggests checking in if your baby hasn’t pooped in three days. Infrequent stools are usually fine as long as they’re soft and not causing discomfort when they occur.

How does baby poop change with solid foods?

With solid foods, stools often become firmer, darker and more varied in texture and color. Bits of undigested food are normal, and frequency may increase or decrease.

Can a baby’s poop smell indicate a health issue?

Most baby poop has a mild smell. Persistent, strong, sour or foul odors should be discussed with your pediatrician.

Why does my baby sometimes grunt or strain while pooping?

Grunting or straining is common in young babies due to infant dyschezia, when their muscles are still learning to coordinate. It may look uncomfortable, but your baby is usually not in pain. Check with your pediatrician only if stools are hard, painful or bloody.

Can medication or supplements change my baby’s poop color?

Yes — supplements like iron and vitamins, or even certain medications, can alter stool color. Talk to your pediatrician if you’re unsure whether a change is from a supplement or something more serious.

That’s the Scoop on Poop!

Like many things in early parenthood, baby poop (or the lack of it) can raise plenty of questions and worries. Rest assured, many of the changes you notice are completely normal. As your baby grows and their digestive system matures, their stool patterns usually become more predictable. Before long, you’ll shift from wondering, “What’s going on in these wet diapers?” to asking, “How do I get this kid to poop in the toilet?” 

Providing your baby with high-quality nutrition can also support healthy digestion and growth. Bobbie Infant Formula is carefully crafted to give your little one the nutrients they need, so you can feed with confidence.

Looking to give your little one a healthy start? Shop Bobbie Organic Infant Formula today. 

*The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.

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The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.