How often should a newborn poop?

Last reviewed July 23, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineNewborn pooing varies widely: sticky black meconium in the first days, then greenish-to-yellow stools often after every feed in the early weeks. After about 6 weeks, breastfed babies may poo much less - even once every few days - which is normal if the stool is soft and the baby is well, while formula-fed babies are usually firmer and more regular. Soft stools, plenty of wet nappies, and steady weight gain matter more than frequency; get pale, chalky, or bloody stools, or signs of dehydration or constipation, checked.

It varies a lot and depends on age and feeding. In the early days, expect frequent, changing stools; after the first few weeks, breastfed babies can range from several poos a day to only one every few days, while formula-fed babies tend to be more regular. What matters most is that your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and has soft stools.

A rough guide

• Day 1-2: Sticky black-green meconium.
• Days 3-5: Stools turn greenish then yellow as milk comes in; often after most feeds.
• First few weeks: Breastfed babies often poo several times a day (a poo per feed is common early on).
• After ~6 weeks: Breastfed babies may poo much less often - even once every few days to a week - and this can be normal if the stool is soft and the baby is well.
• Formula-fed: Usually firmer, more regular stools, at least a few times a week.

What's normal color

Yellow, green, or brown are all fine. Breastfed stools are often soft, yellow, and "seedy."

When to check with someone

• No wet nappies or signs of dehydration, or few wet nappies - a sign of underfeeding
• Hard, dry, pellet-like stools or a baby straining and distressed (possible constipation)
• Very pale, chalky stools or stools with blood - get these checked promptly
• A newborn in the first weeks who suddenly stops pooing and seems unwell

Frequency varies widely - soft stools, plenty of wet nappies, and steady weight gain matter more than a set number.

Femora supports your postpartum journey as you learn your baby's normal patterns.