Newborn poop is one of the most common concerns for new parents. From color changes to frequency shifts, many wonder, “Is this normal?”
One of the biggest panic moments happens around four weeks old—many parents rush to the ER or urgent care because their baby suddenly stops pooping. But in most cases, this is a completely normal transition.
👉 Watch my viral TikTok about newborn poop changes at four weeks! Click here
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔️ How often newborns should poop
✔️ What different poop colors mean
✔️ Why babies stop pooping around 4 weeks
✔️ When to call the doctor
How Often Should a Newborn Poop?
Newborn poop changes frequently based on age and feeding type. Here’s what to expect:
📌 Newborn Poop Frequency Guide:
| Age | Breastfed Babies | Formula-Fed Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | 1-2 black, sticky meconium poops | 1-2 black, sticky meconium poops |
| Day 3-4 | 3+ greenish/brown poops | 2-3 greenish/brown poops |
| Day 5+ | 3-6+ yellow, seedy poops daily | 1-4 soft, formed poops daily |
| 4+ Weeks | Pooping daily OR once every 5-7 days | 1-2 per day (sometimes skipping a day) |
💡 Pro Tip: Breastfed babies may go a full week without pooping after 4 weeks of age—this is because breastmilk is so efficiently absorbed. Formula-fed babies usually continue pooping daily.
👉 Learn more about this poop transition here: Watch on TikTok
💡 Related Post: Newborn Feeding: How Often & How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
Why Do Some Newborns Stop Pooping at 4 Weeks?
Many parents panic when their baby suddenly stops pooping around 4-6 weeks old. But this is usually NOT constipation—it’s a natural adjustment in digestion.
📌 What’s Happening?
✔️ Around 4-6 weeks, your baby’s digestive system matures.
✔️ Their intestines become more efficient at absorbing nutrients.
✔️ This means less waste, so poop frequency decreases naturally.
📌 How to Help Your Baby Pass Gas Comfortably:
✔️ Bicycle legs – Move baby’s legs in a cycling motion to help release gas.
✔️ Belly massage – Gently rub baby’s belly in a clockwise motion.
✔️ Tummy time – This helps relieve trapped gas.
🚨 When to Worry: If baby seems in pain, has a hard belly, or isn’t passing gas, check with your pediatrician.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Gas & Colic: Why It Happens & How to Help
Newborn Poop Colors & What They Mean
📌 Newborn Poop Color Guide:
| Poop Color | What It Means | Normal or Not? |
|---|---|---|
| Black (Meconium) | First poop, thick & tar-like | ✅ Normal in first 2 days |
| Greenish-Brown | Transition poop | ✅ Normal in days 3-5 |
| Yellow & Seedy | Normal breastfed poop | ✅ Normal |
| Tan, Brown, or Green | Normal formula-fed poop | ✅ Normal |
| Bright Green & Frothy | Possible foremilk/hindmilk imbalance | ⚠️ Might need feeding adjustment |
| Mucousy or Slimy | Possible excess saliva, teething, or infection | ⚠️ Watch for other symptoms |
| Red or Bloody | Could be a milk allergy, constipation, or infection | ❌ Call doctor immediately |
| White or Pale Gray | May indicate liver issues (rare) | ❌ Call doctor immediately |
💡 Pro Tip: Occasional green or mucousy poop isn’t always a concern! Look for other symptoms like extreme fussiness, vomiting, or weight loss.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Reflexes: What They Mean & Why They Matter
When to Call the Pediatrician
🚩 Signs of Constipation:
❌ Hard, pellet-like poop
❌ Baby is straining and crying while trying to poop
❌ Blood in stool (can be due to straining or allergy)
🚩 Signs of a Digestive Issue:
❌ Explosive diarrhea for more than 24 hours
❌ Blood, mucus, or white-colored poop
❌ Baby hasn’t pooped in over 10 days AND seems uncomfortable
💡 Pro Tip: If baby is passing gas, happy, and eating well, no poop for a few days is usually not a problem!
💡 Related Post: Newborn Sleep 101: What to Expect & How to Get More Rest
Birthify’s Expert Support for New Parents
💛 Worried about your baby’s poop changes? Not sure what’s normal? Birthify’s newborn care specialists provide real-time support so you can stop worrying and start feeling confident in your baby’s health.
👉 Join Birthify today and get expert-led newborn support! Sign up here