Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Baby poo colour chart

3-minute read


Download this guide as a PDF

View text version of infographic

There is a variety of colours and textures when it comes to baby poo. It will depend on their age, whether they are breastfed or formula fed, and if they have started on solids.

What is normal?

Green / black (sticky tar-like)

This is normal for your baby’s first poo. It’s called ‘meconium’ and will change in the first couple of days.

Mustard yellow

For a breastfed baby, this is normal. It will be loose and a bit runny.

Darker yellow

Formula fed babies tend to have darker and slightly firmer poo.

Frothy green

Can happen with babies breastfed from both breasts frequently. Try feeding until one breast is drained before switching.

Dark green

Sometimes found with babies on formula. Usually because of the iron found in the formula and nothing to worry about.

Green / brown

As you start to introduce solid food, this will be one of the many shades you can expect to see in your baby’s nappy.

Orange

Another example of the variety of colours solid foods can produce in your baby’s poo.

Brown

As they get older, your baby’s poo will be more like grown-up poo.

What is not normal?

If you see any of the following types of poo in your baby’s nappy, see your doctor and take a sample or the nappy with you.

Red

Blood in your baby’s poo could be from constipation, if mum has cracked/bleeding nipples, or due to something more serious.

Chalk white

White or grey poo is not normal and could be a sign of a liver problem.

Black

Baby poo should only be green or black during the first few days; after that it could be a sign of something more serious.

Constipation versus diarrhoea

Constipation

Signs of constipation can include:

  • a hard and dry poo
  • a firm and pebble-like poo
  • your baby being upset
  • poo with a streak of blood

Diarrhoea

Signs of diarrhoea include:

  • a watery poo
  • more poo than usual
  • baby is also unwell, particularly vomiting
  • baby doesn't want to feed

If your baby is either constipated or has diarrhoea, visit your doctor or child health nurse.


Want more like this?

See more guides and infographics from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: March 2023


Back To Top

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.