The newborn’s stool changes color during the first week. This is because the newborn goes from drinking only amniotic fluid during pregnancy (nutrients supplied via the umbilical cord) to drinking colostrum, to drinking mature breast milk or baby formula. Breastfed babies seldom get constipated. After about one month, babies who breastfeed exclusively have a bowel movement anywhere from ten times per day to once a week. Both alternatives are normal. Babies who receive baby formula might get constipated more often and have bowel movements more seldom.
The stool should not be white, gray or red. If it is, contact a pediatrician.
Stool usually looks something like this—and it’s normal:
First 1–2 days: The newborn’s stool is black and sticky. Days 2–3: The stool is a greenish-brownish color. Days 4–5: The stool now looks like mustard-yellow cottage cheese. In other words, real breastmilk stool.