Is This Poop Normal?: A Pediatrician’s Guide to Baby Poop Colors
Yes, We're Talking About Baby Poop — Because It Matters
If you’ve ever opened a diaper and thought, “Is this normal??”, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get from new parents is:
“This poop looks weird… should I be worried?”
As a pediatrician (and poop expert!), I can tell you: baby poop comes in all kinds of colors and textures; and most of the time, it’s totally normal.
Here’s your go-to guide for decoding what those diaper changes are trying to tell you.
Normal Baby Poop Colors (and What They Mean)
Let’s start with the colors that are usually nothing to worry about. The color wheel of normal baby poop is very wide. I like to remember them by the Fall Leaf Colors.
Yellow or Orange
Normal for breastfed babies. It may look mustardy or seedy. Totally expected and healthy.
Brown or Tan
Normal for formula-fed babies or older infants starting solids. These colors are very typical.
Green
This can happen because of slight dietary changes (either in baby or breastfeeding parent) or slight variations in how much bile your baby’s digestive system used to process their meal (even if they are eating the same thing every feeding).
If your baby is otherwise happy, eating, and gaining weight, poop in any of these hues is nothing to stress about.
Poop Colors to Watch Closely
Some colors might signal something that deserves a call to your pediatrician:
Red
Could be caused by:
A small anal fissure (tiny tear from straining — common and often harmless)
Blood in stool, which can sometimes happen with cow’s milk protein sensitivity
Swallowed blood (possibly from cracked nipples during breastfeeding)
Call your pediatrician if you see red streaks or flecks, especially more than once.
Black
For babies older than 3 days, black stool may signal digested blood and could need evaluation.
In the first couple of days of life, black, tarry poop (called meconium) is normal. But after that, black stool = time to call your doctor.
White, Gray, or Chalky
This is never normal and could indicate a problem with liver function or bile production.
If you see white or pale gray poop, call your pediatrician right away.
Texture, Frequency, and Consistency Matter Too
Color isn’t the only clue. Here’s what else to keep in mind:
Texture: Baby poop can be runny, pasty, or seedy depending on age, diet, and feeding type. It should never be a hard, solid, ball of poop.
Frequency: Some newborns poop after every feed. Others go every few days. What matters is what’s normal for your baby.
Sudden changes: If your baby’s poop suddenly becomes very loose, mucous-y, or foul-smelling, that may be worth a check-in.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Call or text your pediatrician if you notice:
Red, black, or white poop (especially more than once)
Sudden changes in stool consistency with fever, vomiting, or refusal to eat
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no wet diapers, sunken soft spot)
Most baby poop weirdness is totally normal, and you’ll become a diaper detective before you know it. But if something feels off, trust your gut and reach out to your pediatrician.
A Pediatrician That’s Just a Call or Text Away
At Curitas Pediatrics, we offer direct access so you never have to wonder or wait when something seems off, even if it’s “just” a diaper question. That’s exactly what I’m here for!
Curious About More Newborn Topics?
Follow @CuritasPediatrics on Instagram for more pediatrician-approved parenting tips and check out our Newborn Care Package if you want extra support in those early weeks.
