It's natural to feel concerned about your baby's health, especially since babies cannot express their discomfort or pain directly.

In addition to observing their movements and cries, you can also assess their health by looking at the color of their stool. A newborn's stool, in particular, can change based on their diet and overall condition. So, what does healthy stool look like? Continue reading for more information.

Newborn Stool

Typically, newborns pass a stool known as meconium. As reported by Live Strong, meconium is thick, sticky, and has a greenish-black color. This stool is typically passed within 24 hours of birth, though it can sometimes take up to 2-4 days.

After this initial stool, the color will shift from greenish-black to greenish-yellow or a seedy, bright yellow stool if the baby is breastfed. For formula-fed babies, the stool will appear yellow-brown and thick, almost like peanut butter.

Normal Baby Stool Color

According to Healthline, here are the typical characteristics of normal newborn stool color:

• Blackish Green

Dark stools, such as blackish green, are common when they first appear after birth, known as meconium.

• Mustard Yellow and Orange

In breastfed babies, the stool is usually yellow. However, if it appears a brighter yellow, it could be due to medications the mother may have taken.

• Greenish Brown

For formula-fed babies, the stool may appear greenish brown. This is still within the normal range.

• Dark Green

As babies start to eat solid foods, particularly vegetables, their stool becomes darker green. Babies taking iron supplements may also exhibit this color in their stool.

Baby Stool Colors to Be Concerned About

• Black

If your baby is over a week old and their stool appears black, this may indicate a serious issue in the digestive tract, often involving bleeding. If this happens, you should immediately consult a doctor.

• Pale Yellow

In breastfed babies, pale yellow stool may indicate early diarrhea. Ensure that your baby continues breastfeeding and stays hydrated.

• White

White stool in either breastfed or formula-fed babies suggests an abnormality and may indicate liver problems. Consult with a doctor immediately if your baby has white stools, especially if other symptoms such as a bloated, firm abdomen, dark yellow urine, or fever are present.

• Gray

Gray stool may signal a digestive issue.

• Red

If your baby's stool is red and they have not consumed any red foods, this could be a sign of a digestive disorder, such as bleeding in the intestines, an infection, an allergy to milk, or even an anus tear. If this occurs, seek medical help right away.

It’s important to note that babies do not necessarily have bowel movements every day. For instance, breastfed babies might have a bowel movement just once a week, while formula-fed babies usually have one every day. If your baby has not had a stool in over a day, it could indicate constipation.

By paying attention to the color and consistency of your baby’s stool, you can catch potential health concerns early. Avoid administering any herbal remedies without consulting a doctor, especially if the stool color indicates an abnormal condition.

Looking for more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, women's and children's health? Click here!