No one warns you just how much time you will spend analyzing what comes out of your baby. But a baby's diaper is one of the best indicators of their overall health and hydration.
The First Few Days
A baby's first bowel movements are thick, sticky, and greenish-black. This is called meconium, and passing it is a great sign that their digestive system is working properly. Within a few days, as milk starts to digest, the color will transition to a lighter green or brown before settling into its regular state.
Breastfed vs. Formula-Fed
Tracking Hydration
Wet diapers are your best metric for knowing if your baby is getting enough milk. By the time they are a week old, you should expect at least 6 heavily wet diapers every 24 hours. The urine should be pale and odorless.
When to Call the Doctor
While the spectrum of "normal" is very wide, there are a few colors that always warrant a call to your pediatrician:
- Red: Can indicate blood in the stool.
- White or Chalky Gray: Can indicate an issue with liver or gallbladder function.
- Black: Normal for meconium in the first few days, but abnormal later on.