<h2>Why all the talk about baby poop?</h2><p>"A lot happens in a baby’s body during those first few weeks of life. <strong>Poop changes in texture, color, and smell multiple times. </strong>Many parents feel reassured when their baby’s tummy is working well—so they naturally keep an eye on the poop", says pediatric nurse Annica Källström.</p><h2>How often should a newborn poop?</h2><p>"Pooping habits vary a lot from baby to baby. In general, <strong>newborns poop frequently and irregularly during the first 10 weeks</strong>", explains Annica Källström.<br>"Some babies poop several times a day, others just once or twice, and some may only poop every 14 days or less. <strong>What matters most is how your baby seems overall—if your baby is alert and happy, then things are likely fine.</strong> By around 2 months of age, most babies settle into a poop routine, often pooping at the same time each day—and they typically stop pooping at night."</p><h2>What does a newborn’s first poop look like?</h2><p>"During the first few hours after birth, it’s common for babies to only pee since they’ve primarily been consuming amniotic fluid. Once they start feeding, the first poop, known as meconium, typically appears. <strong>Meconium has been sitting in the baby’s intestines during pregnancy and is usually dark green</strong>, almost military green."</p><p><i>TIP! If your baby seems uncomfortable, infant tummy drops can help calm their stomach and make it easier for them to poop.</i></p><h2>What does poop look like after the meconium?</h2><p>"This varies from baby to baby. <strong>Poop color can range from green, yellow, and neon green to brown</strong>. Some babies might even have small streaks of blood in their poop (it might look like tiny flakes of pepper). Blood in poop is rarely a concern and is often caused by small tears in tiny blood vessels. However, if blood appears more than once, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician."</p><h2>What about the consistency?</h2><p>"A newborn’s poop can be runny, sticky, or slightly firmer. Many parents worry their baby has diarrhea, but that’s often not the case," says Annica Källström. "<strong>Newborns often have very loose, sometimes grainy poop</strong>. It can also be foamy or slimy. While this is typically nothing to worry about, it’s worth mentioning to your pediatric care provider."</p><h2>Does breastfeeding or formula affect poop?</h2><p>"Yes, babies fed with formula may poop less often and their stools can be slightly firmer compared to breastfed babies."</p><h2>What should baby poop smell like?</h2><p>"Newborn poop tends to have a <strong>sour smell</strong>, somewhat like yogurt or cultured milk. Some parents even find the smell surprisingly mild or pleasant."</p><h2>My newborn’s stomach looks swollen—is that normal?</h2><p>"Yes, completely normal! <strong>A baby’s tummy can often appear puffy, almost drum-like</strong>. This is because their intestines fill quickly after eating, and their stomach grows rapidly. I often tell parents that babies 'eat a Christmas feast every meal', meaning they get full each time they eat."</p><p><i><strong>TIP! </strong>If your baby seems to struggle with gas, a gas-relief valve can help.</i></p><h2>How do I know everything is fine?</h2><p>"Keep an eye on your baby’s overall well-being.<strong> If your baby is growing and gaining weight, it’s a good sign that things are going well.</strong> If your baby cries excessively, seems uncomfortable, or isn’t gaining weight, you might want to check if they’re sensitive to something. Bring this up with your pediatric care provider", says Annica Källström.</p><h2>When should I be concerned?</h2><p>"Gastrointestinal issues are very rare in newborns and young babies. Stomach troubles are usually not dangerous but can be challenging for both baby and parent. If you’re worried, contact your pediatric care provider for advice and support."</p><hr><h2>4 tips for an upset baby tummy</h2><ol><li><strong>Belly massage: </strong>Gently massaging your baby’s tummy can help their intestines move in the right direction. Use a mild, organic baby oil (available at pharmacies). Massage when your baby is calm and content, not when they’re in discomfort. Your pediatric care provider can show you the right technique.</li><li><strong>Stomach drops:</strong> Giving infant tummy drops once a day can help your baby develop a healthy gut flora, which supports digestion and makes pooping easier. Drops can also soothe colic. Many parents report great results.</li><li><strong>Gas-relief valve:</strong> Sometimes, babies clench their rectum instead of relaxing, making it hard for poop and gas to pass. You can use a gas-relief valve to help, but don’t use it more than three times a day.</li><li><strong>Dairy-free diet for mom:</strong> If you’re breastfeeding, try cutting out cow’s milk protein for at least two weeks (and take calcium supplements). If your baby is formula-fed, consider switching to a dairy-free option. Always consult your pediatrician before making dietary changes.</li></ol><hr><p><i>Always consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s health or development. The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and should not replace professional medical advice.</i></p>

How much, what consistency, and what color should a baby’s poop be? Here’s what’s considered normal during the first 10 weeks of your newborn’s life. We answer the most common questions parents have about baby poop.

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Wondering what’s normal for newborn poop? Learn about the color, consistency, and frequency of your baby’s poop during the first 10 weeks.

How often should a newborn poop? And what’s normal?

<h1>BREASTFEEDING &amp; BOTTLE FEEDING</h1><h2>How to start breastfeeding</h2><p>Ouch! It is not uncommon (no, quite the opposite!) for breastfeeding to be both time-consuming and painful in the beginning. For those who want to breastfeed, skin-to-skin immediately after birth is the best start. Within a few hours, most babies find their way to the breast. The first few days can be tough as your nipples get used to it (!!), the milk production kicks in and the baby gets a good grip on your nipple. One tip is not to leave the maternity ward without breastfeeding working properly. If things go wrong - ask for help! Often, tricks that allow the baby to get a better grip can help.</p><h2>If you want to bottle feed</h2><p>If you know before you give birth that you want to bottle feed your baby, it's a good idea to find out which formula you want to use and bring a bottle to the hospital. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, skin-to-skin is a cozy and good start to the bond between you as a parent and your baby. Let your baby show hunger signs and then give the bottle. No stress!</p><h2>How do I know my baby is hungry?</h2><p>A good guideline is to simply let your baby eat as often as they want. Some common signs that your baby is getting hungry include moving their head and mouth, sucking on their fingers, or 'buffering' with their face to the breast. It's easier to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby before he or she has time to start crying, so look out for the signs your baby makes.&nbsp;</p><h2>How much should my newborn baby eat?</h2><p>Babies should eat until they are full and satisfied, which for newborns usually means they stop actively sucking. They often fall asleep at the breast or bottle. If your baby doesn't finish the whole bottle (check the packaging to see how much you should do), pour out what's left.&nbsp;</p><hr><h1>SLEEP FOR NEWBORNS</h1><h2>How much does a newborn baby sleep in the first month?</h2><p>Before having a baby, you've probably been told that newborns do nothing but sleep for the first few days, preferably 14-17 hours a day. The problem with newborns is not the amount of sleep, but the fact that they sleep, eat, and are awake – whether it's day or night. Some will sleep for 3 hours, others will only slumber for 20 minutes at a time. Try not to think too much about how it will be: babies are different and you just have to accept and go with the flow.&nbsp;</p><h2>More importantly, how do you put a newborn baby to sleep?!</h2><ul><li><strong>In a babynest:</strong> babies like to have defined edges around them. It simply reminds them of their time in the womb. A babynest is great or a tightly rolled towel as a border around your baby.</li><li><strong>In your arms:</strong> your baby is used to being cradled inside her tummy as her mother walks around. Carrying your baby against your chest calms your baby, and he or she will also hear your heartbeat. A baby carrier frees your hands and prevents back pain.</li><li><strong>Buffing your baby's bottom:</strong> gently and rhythmically buffing your baby's bottom while carrying them in a sling is an almost magical trick.</li><li><strong>Rocking:</strong> you have already understood from this list that babies like movement and rocking. Many babies, therefore, settle more easily when the bed is rocking.</li><li><strong>In a stroller:</strong> yes, falling asleep in the fresh air and feeling the vibrations of the stroller is a golden recipe for sleep!&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Using white noise</strong>: inside the belly, your baby has been used to constant noise. Therefore, our quiet and calm daily life often has the opposite effect when it comes to a baby's sleep. Start a white noise playlist for babies (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=6d9cf67da93f47a3">here's our favorite on Spotify!</a>) and your baby will probably sleep better and deeper.</li><li><strong>Feed before sleep</strong>: for your newborn baby, a full stomach is essential for good sleep. So get into the habit of breastfeeding properly or giving a bottle right before sleep time.</li></ul><p><i>TIP! Newborns can grunt, make noises, and whine in their sleep. Research shows that we as parents are often quick to react to any sound the baby makes, thus waking the baby unnecessarily. So here's a tip: wait a few minutes when your baby makes noises at night, and see if they can settle down again.</i></p><hr><h1>DIAPER CHANGES AND OTHER PRACTICALITIES</h1><h2>How often should I change the diaper?</h2><p>One thing that is not easy to know as a new first-time parent is how often to change the diaper. On average, a baby pees every 20 minutes, but since it's such a small amount, you don't need to change the diaper every time. Every 2-3 hours is usually enough. However, a poopy diaper should be changed as soon as possible.</p><h2>Ehh... black poop?!</h2><p>Yep. Your baby's first poop is called meconium and is tough and green-black. In the beginning, they often poop after each meal, and the stool then turns yellow or green-yellow.&nbsp;</p><h2>How often should I wash and bathe my newborn?</h2><p>It's a good idea to wash your newborn with a soft, damp washcloth for the first few days. Then pat dry. This is the easiest way to avoid irritating your baby's skin. After that, your baby can be bathed once or twice a week. Some babies LOVE bathing, then you can do it more often if the skin doesn't get too dry. Remember to have lukewarm water, and to hold your baby firmly. A few drops of oil are good for moisturizing the skin, but be aware that the baby can easily become slippery like an eel!</p><h2>Those little nails, should they be cut?</h2><p>Newborn babies can have really long nails. But they are soft, and in the beginning it's best to gently tear them off so you don't accidentally cut the skin. One tip is to cut them when your baby is asleep.</p><h2>Umbilical cord stump - what to do with it?</h2><p>The cord stump usually falls off within two weeks. It rarely gets infected, although it can smell a bit. This is a sign that it will soon come off. It is normal for the edge of the belly button to be a little red when the stump falls off. If there is some blood or fluid, you can clean it with a cloth (dipped in lukewarm water), and then pat it dry with a clean cloth.&nbsp;</p><hr><h1>5 TIPS FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE START WITH YOUR NEWBORN</h1><h2><br>1. Your mood - yes, it can go up a little... and down a lot!</h2><p>During pregnancy, you're encouraged by the idea that you'll be in a state of total bliss immediately after giving birth. But it is more common for the new mother to feel extra tired, sore, and weepy from hormones during the first few days at home. There's a lot to take care of: feedings, naps, 118 diaper changes, and knowing what every cry means. In other words, it's perfectly normal to be overjoyed, exhausted, in love, worried, and confused all at the same time.</p><h2>2. The baby will be just as cute in a couple of weeks</h2><p>It's okay to say no to visits. Really! Or just see those closest to you. Your baby will be just as adorable in a couple of weeks. As parents, you will have had time to get to know your new family member and enjoy the visit more.&nbsp;</p><h2>3."Well, just read the manual!"</h2><p>As a new parent, it's easy to wonder how everyone else manages this so brilliantly. What course did they take to learn how to put a baby to sleep or what every cry means? The answer is: everyone is as confused as you are. Don't think otherwise. And there's no magic formula - each baby comes with its own instruction book. Soon you will become an expert on the instructions for your baby.</p><h2>4. Food in the freezer - but only food that can be eaten with one hand!</h2><p>"The time at home with a newborn baby is the time of small bites", according to a midwife at the parent training course. And that's right - when you're marathon feeding and rocking a baby, a hot meal is often not a priority. Even though a full stomach, and thus extra energy, is super important. Things you can eat with one hand work perfectly!</p><h2>5. Choose who you listen to</h2><p>As a new parent, you will be attacked by well-meaning advice. Being told "He's probably hungry" every time your baby cries is classic - as if you hadn't thought of it yourself (or would deny your baby food for that matter). Choose a few people to listen to - and see the advice as <i>one way</i> to solve a problem. It doesn't necessarily mean it's<i> your way</i>. Let others advice pass you by with an "Oh, that's what <i>you</i> did!".</p><h2>6. Carry, carry, carry!</h2><p>Newborn babies love being close to their parents. They are used to lying in their mother's stomach and following her movements. A baby carrier or sling is similar to this and is therefore often loved by newborns. The sling or baby carrier allows your baby to be close to you, rock rhythmically, and hear your heartbeat. It's a lifesaver when your baby has trouble settling down. It also saves your back and leaves your hands free!</p><hr><h2>And don't forget to breathe, breathe... and breathe!</h2><p>There will be times when you wonder what you've gotten yourself into. Perhaps in the middle of a late-night screaming marathon, or rocking a baby who never wants to settle down. When both you and your baby are crying and you want to give up, there's only one thing to do. Breathe and start again. Breathe again. You will make it. ❤️<br>&nbsp;</p>

This is the ultimate guide for new parents with the essentials for the first time at home with a baby. You'll learn everything from how newborns sleep best to how to manage diaper changes and avoid screaming and panic. Let's go!

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