Poo Colour Checker
Wondering if your baby's poo is normal? Select a colour below to find out what it means and whether you need to take action.
Baby poo changes a lot in the first weeks and months. What's "normal" depends on your baby's age and whether they're breastfed or formula-fed.
First few days
In the first 1 to 2 days, newborns pass meconium — a sticky, dark greenish-black substance. It should begin changing to a lighter brown, green or yellow by around day 3.
If your baby has not passed meconium within the first 24 hours, tell your maternity team straight away.
Breastfed babies
After the first few days, breastfed babies typically have yellow, runny poo that may look seedy or grainy. Between 4 days and 6 weeks, a well-breastfed baby should usually pass at least 2 yellow poos a day; after about 6 weeks, some may go several days without one.
Formula-fed babies
Formula-fed babies tend to have tan, yellow-brown, or greenish poo that's thicker and more paste-like. They usually poo less frequently than breastfed babies.
After weaning
Once your baby starts solids, poo becomes thicker, darker, and smellier. You may see bits of undigested food — this is normal as their digestive system is still developing.
Select the colour
Tap the colour that most closely matches what you see in the nappy.
Quick Reference Guide
Usually normal
Yellow, mustard, tan, green, orange and brown can be normal when your baby is otherwise well
Get medical advice
Black poo after the first 1 to 2 days, or red that may be blood, should be checked
Contact GP urgently
White, pale, or chalky poo — this needs same-day medical attention
Important: White or pale poo
If your baby's poo is white, very pale, creamy or chalky, request an urgent GP or midwife appointment or call NHS 111. Keep the nappy, or take a clear photo in natural light, to show the clinician. This can be a sign of a liver condition such as biliary atresia, which needs early treatment.
Dark yellow or brown urine, or yellow skin or eyes, alongside pale poo makes urgent assessment especially important.
Want to track your baby's nappies?
Try our Nappy TrackerImportant colour note
Screens, room lighting and nappies can change how colours look. Do not delay asking for medical advice because a colour does not exactly match a circle on this page.
Read the NHS guidance on newborn nappies (opens in a new window) and pale poo and jaundice warning signs (opens in a new window).