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The Essential Guide to Baby Poop Colors and Stool Types

The color and texture of your baby’s stool can change over the first year. Let’s explore baby poop colors and consistencies—what’s typical and when you may want to talk to your pediatrician.

Baby Poop Chart

ColorDescriptionWhy?Normal?
YellowMustard-yellow stools are common in breastfed babiesBreastfeedingLikely normal
Dark YellowFormula-fed babies may have darker yellow stools. Mustard-yellow stools are common in breastfed babiesFormula feedingLikely normal
BrownPoop in brown shades, including light brown, tan, yellow-tan, and greenish-brown, are all within the realm of healthy baby poopBreastfeeding or formula feedingLikely normal
GreenMGreen-tinted poop can result from an iron supplement or medication or indicate a potential allergy or sensitivity to something in the baby or mom’s dietIron supplement, medication, allergy, sensitivityMonitor and contact pediatrician if needed
RedStool can appear red if a baby has consumed something red-colored, but it could also indicate blood due to an infection or cow's milk protein allergyFood, infection, allergyContact your pediatrician
WhitePale, chalky white stools are uncommon and could indicate insufficient bile due to a liver issueLiver issueContact your pediatrician
Dark brown, dark green, or blackIron supplement or iron-fortified formula may be the culprit. If not, it could indicate bloodIron supplement, extensively hydrolyzed formula, bloodContact your pediatrician

Newborn Poop Chart

Type of PoopColorConsistency
Meconium (first 24 hours)Black-green or brown and tar-likeSticky
BreastfedMustard-yellow or greenSeedy and soft
Formula-fedYellowish-brown, brown-green, or light brownSoft, peanut-butter-like
Starting SolidsDark brown or various colors depending on dietFirm

Newborn Baby Poop Color and Consistency

Poop produced during the first 24 hours of a newborn’s life is called meconium and is made of fluid and cells that were ingested in-utero. Whether your baby is consuming breast milk or formula, meconium will be sticky black-green or brown tar-like. While it may look surprising, it’s normal for your little one to pass meconium and get it out of their system.

Breastfed Baby Stool Color and Consistency

The stools of breastfed infants look mustard-yellow and sometimes green. In terms of consistency, the poop will have seed-like particles. Breastfed infants typically have very soft, even watery stools, which may smell sweet.

Formula-Fed Baby Stool Color and Consistency

If you’re using infant formula, you can expect your baby’s stool consistency to be soft but more solidly formed than a breastfed baby’s. Colors may span anywhere from yellowish-brown and brown-green to light brown. The stools are usually larger and have a more pungent smell than breastfed baby poop.

Stool Types and Colors for Babies Starting Solid Foods

Bowel movements often become firmer, smellier, and dark brown once babies start eating solid food. However, be prepared for some seemingly odd colors to pop up as well. For example, the stool might look red after eating beets or have dark blue streaks after eating blueberries.

You may even spot some green poop from newly-introduced green foods, like spinach and peas. It’s also possible (and not uncommon) to find chunks of undigested food in your baby’s stool.

Baby Poop Colors

Let’s look at the palette of potential baby poop colors, from typical stool shades to those that may warrant a call to your pediatrician.

baby-poop-color-chart.webp

When to Call Your Pediatrician

There are some instances where it’s a good idea to double-check with your pediatrician. If you have concerns about your baby or the following, reach out to your baby’s doctor, as some stool colors and textures could indicate a potential health issue.

Stool Color/TexturePotential IssueAction to Take
Black, tar-likeBlood in upper GI tractCheck with pediatrician immediately
Red streaks/specksBloodCheck with pediatrician immediately
WhiteBile not reaching stoolCheck with pediatrician immediately
Frothy green/dark greenPotential virus, cow's milk allergy, or food sensitivityonitor and contact pediatrician if needed
Watery/liquidDiarrhea, could lead to dehydratioCall pediatrician if lasts more than 24 hours or if baby is feverish, acting sick, under three months old, or showing indications of dehydration
Hard, dark pelletsConstipationContact pediatrician if your baby seems to be irritable, in pain, or having any difficulty pooping
MucusInfection, allergy, or other concernEvaluate with doctor if accompanied by a lot of mucus, mucus in multiple bowel movements, or mucus accompanied by diarrhea

Key Takeaways

  • Baby poop varies in color and texture based on diet, age, and health.

  • Normal colors include yellow, green, and brown.

  • Red, black, or white poop may signal a health concern—contact your pediatrician. If your pediatrician determines your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, ask them about switching to Nutramigen! We have additional resources and support for parents navigating cow’s milk protein allergy

  • Tracking diaper changes helps you spot patterns and identify potential issues.

  • When in doubt, reach out to a healthcare provider.

We’ve Got the Scoop on Poop… and Nutrition!

Enfamil Family Beginnings® offers resources and support for parents, including information on what to expect in terms of baby poop color and consistency. By joining, you'll gain access to even more resources to help you navigate parenthood. Plus, members get exclusive access to opportunities to receive discounts on Enfamil formula and samples to try out with your little one!

Download our app to make use of our poop tracker tool!

Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings® today and rest easy knowing you have access to trusted resources and savings on formula!

References

  1. Cleveland Clinic. The Color of Baby Poop and What It Means [Infographic]. Published April 27, 2023. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-color-of-baby-poop-and-what-it-means-infographic↗
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