Poop ColorNewborn

Baby Poop Color Chart: What’s Normal & What’s Not

Updated Jul 30, 20267 minPoop Color • Newborn • Health Basics

Key takeaway

After meconium has passed, yellow, brown, and green stools are commonly seen. White or gray, black after the newborn period, and red stools deserve prompt medical guidance.

Babies can have a wide range of poop colors—and most of the time, it’s normal. The key is to look at the whole picture: your baby’s age, feeding type, how they’re acting, and whether the change persists.

Common baby poop colors (and what they often mean)

Yellow / mustard

•Very common in breastfed babies.

•Often “seedy” or loose. That can be normal.

Brown / tan

•Common in formula-fed babies or babies who have started solids.

•Usually more formed as babies get older.

Green

•Often normal and can happen with iron-fortified formula, iron supplements, or dietary changes.

•If your baby is otherwise well, green alone is usually not an emergency.

Black

•Normal in the first few days of life (meconium).

•After the newborn stage, black stool can be a warning sign and should be discussed with a clinician.

Red

•Small red streaks can be from irritation, but blood in stool should be evaluated—especially if it happens repeatedly or your baby seems unwell.

White / gray / pale (chalky)

•Not normal and should be checked promptly. Pale stools may suggest a bile flow issue.

When to contact a pediatrician

Call your pediatrician if you see:

•White/gray/chalky stools

•Black stools after the first newborn days

•Repeated red blood in stool

•Poop changes with fever, vomiting, lethargy, poor feeding, or dehydration signs

How tracking helps

One diaper is a snapshot. Tracking a pattern over days helps you notice what’s changing (color, texture, frequency) and share clearer notes with your pediatrician.

Important: Educational content only—this is not a diagnosis.

Sources and further reading

Educational summary based on the pediatric and public-health resources below. Sources do not replace individual medical advice.

HealthyChildren.org (AAP) – The Many Colors of Baby Poop Seattle Children’s – Stools: Unusual Color

HealthyChildren.org — powered by pediatricians, from the American Academy of Pediatrics

HealthyChildren.org is an independent resource. BabyPoop AI is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

BabyPoop AI provides educational information only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your baby seems unwell or you are concerned, contact a qualified clinician.

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