Many parents find themselves spending a lot of time and energy analyzing their babies’ poop colors and asking, “is this normal?”
From insufficient nutrition to allergies and infections, so much about a baby’s health can be learned from inside a dirty diaper
Whether a baby is breast-fed or formula-fed, stools can vary in color greatly and still be considered normal. But while parents can find a rainbow of colors inside a baby’s diaper that are normal, there are a few that can be a call for concern. Dr. Corey Scherer, pediatric gastroenterologist, breaks down poop colors to help parents decode which ones are harmless and when to call the pediatrician.
Reassuring baby poop colors
- Green: Green or dark green poop is almost always harmless. It is most likely due to food or dyes in food either from breast milk or food itself, or certain medications mom is taking, such as an iron supplement.
- Greenish-black: Once meconium, baby’s first poop during the first few days of life, begins to pass, a baby’s poop may turn greenish-black and that’s a good indication the breast milk or formula is being properly digested.
- Yellow or orange: Yellow or mustard-yellow poop is typical for a breastfed baby. It also may have seed-like pieces and be very runny.
- Tan: Tan poop is typical of a formula-fed baby. It may also appear the same color as peanut butter, yellow-brown or greenish-brown and is usually stinkier than breast milk poop.
- Brown: Brown is the most common poop color for a baby eating solids or weaning off breast milk or formula.
Concerning baby poop colors
- Red: While red poop does not always mean something bad, it is important to contact your pediatrician as it may indicate a bigger issue like constipation, allergies or other lower bowel issues.
- Black: During the first few days of life, a baby’s meconium poop can be black and is no cause for concern. However, once meconium has passed, a black poop could be caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract and requires medical attention.
- White or gray: If your baby’s poop is pale white or clay-colored and unusually stinky, it could be a sign of a rare, but dangerous liver condition or other bilirubin-related issues. Call your pediatrician right away.
When discussing stool colors with your healthcare provider, Dr. Scherer recommends having additional information ready, including:
- Stool frequency: once per day, once per week?
- Stool consistency: is the stool soft, liquid or hard?
- Iis there pain or pushing needed for stool passage?
- Has there been a delay in passage of meconium?
If you’re concerned about your baby’s bowel movements, schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians.
