Baby poo: your need-to-know guide

As new parents you’ve researched everything you need to know about caring for your baby. But what you probably weren’t expecting is how obsessed you've become with your newborn’s poo … or how important it is for keeping an eye on your baby’s day-to-day health. 

Yep the colour, frequency and consistency of your newborn’s poop has likely become a daily topic of conversation in your home!

Here’s a round-up of everything you need to know about nappy changing time including which are the best nappies to use, how many poos to expect each day (spoiler alert: it’s waaaaaay more than you think!) and tips for tackling poonamis.

How often do newborn babies poo?

A. LOT.

The NHS says newborns do about four poos a day. If you’re breastfeeding, don’t be surprised if they poo after every feed. (If you’re bottle feeding, your newborn may poo up to five times a day.) By the time your baby is one, they’ll poo around twice a day. 

However every baby is different so it’s important to get to know what’s normal for your little one.

Which nappies are best?

It’s a good idea to do your nappy research and find the perfect fit for your baby. Aldi Mamia newborn nappies are designed to keep your baby fresh and dry thanks to their Dry Fast Technology™, which has up to two times faster absorption. 

They're hypoallergenic and a clever wetness indicator lets you know when it’s time to pop a new nappy on your baby.

Fancy putting them to the test for your baby? Claim your free pack of Aldi Mamia newborn nappies here.

What does normal baby poo look like?

Baby poo can be lots of different colours and textures, some more surprising than others! Here’s a quick guide:

Newborn poo … greenish black and sticky

Your baby’s first poo is called meconium. It doesn’t smell but is quite sticky so be extra gentle when cleaning your baby’s bottom. This meconium poo might last for the first couple of days after your baby is born.  

Breastfed baby poo … mustard yellow

If you're breastfeeding your baby, after a few days their poo will change from the newborn meconium to a yellowy mustard colour. It still doesn’t smell but is quite runny.

Formula fed baby poo … darker brown and firmer

If you’re bottle feeding your baby, you’ll notice their poo changes to a darker brown. Unlike breastfed babies, it will be firmer and will also be a bit smelly.

Some formulas can also turn your baby’s poo dark green so don’t be alarmed during their nappy change! However if you’re concerned, chat to your health visitor.

Weaning baby poo ... firmer, darker (and smellier)

When you start weaning your baby, you’ll notice a change in their poos. They’ll become darker and will smell more. 

How can I tell if my baby is constipated?

How often your baby poos can change day to day, so it can be quite hard to tell if they have constipation. As a general rule, if your baby’s poo is soft, they aren’t constipated. (Even if they haven’t pooed for a few days.)

Instead, the NHS says signs your baby is constipated may include:

• They poo less than three times a week
• Your baby is finding it hard to poo, and their poos are bigger than usual
• Their poo might also be dry, hard or look like pellets
• They might have smelly wind
• They might be less hungry than normal, and their tummy might feel firm

Try cycling your baby’s legs or giving them a gentle tummy massage to get things moving.

If they are bottle fed, you could try giving them some water between feeds. For babies under six months old, don’t use water straight from the tap. You’ll need to boil it first and let it cool down before giving to your baby.

If you’re weaning your baby, try and give them fibre-rich foods like bananas and pear.

How often should I change my baby’s nappy?

Your newborn could need their nappy changing as often as 12 times a day. If they have sensitive skin, you’ll need to change them as soon as they're wet.

Older babies should be changed around six to eight times a day.

With so many changes, it’s a good idea to look for nappies that are not only comfortable but also don’t break the bank. A pack of 24 Mamia Size 1 newborn nappies costs just 79p, working out at a purse-friendly 3.2p per nappy. 

What do I need on my changing station?

You’ll be spending a fair bit of time changing your baby’s nappy, so it’s a good idea to stock your changing station (and changing bag) with everything you need. This includes:

• A changing mat (or a travel change mat for when you’re out and about)
• Nappies 
• Baby wipes
• Barrier cream
• Nappy bags (keep these well out of reach of your baby at all times)
• Nappy bin
• Hand sanitiser
• Clean babygrows

Poonamis: how to handle them

There will be times when you’ll be faced with an explosive poonami nappy. And they usually happen when you’re out and about, at someone else’s house or at 3am when you reeeeeally want to be asleep. 

Rather than pulling your baby’s dirty babygrow over their head (and ending up with poo in their hair, aaagh), slide it down their body. It’s easy to do thanks to the clever envelope folds on the babygrow shoulders. These widen so you have enough room to easily pull the outfit down rather than up. 

What isn’t normal for baby poo?

Your baby’s poo is a great indicator of their overall health.

Diarrhea … occasional bouts of explosive poo are totally normal, but if your baby often has diarrhea then it could be a food allergy or sensitivity. Chat to your GP or health visitor if you're worried.

Very smelly, watery or poo has blood in it … if you notice any of this in your baby’s poo it’s worth talking to your GP or health visitor.

Very pale or chalky poo … this can be a sign of newborn jaundice or liver disease, so contact your GP or health visitor for advice.