Baby poo colour chart

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Signs of constipation can include:

baby is also unwell, particularly vomiting

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

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