In this post, we’ll answer the most common questions about your baby’s diapers, including what’s normal for baby poop, what color it should be, and how it might change after starting Pepticate® Infant formula. Your healthcare team is the most familiar with your little one, and their guidance comes first.
“Normal” Baby Poop:
Parents often worry about their newborn’s stool. What exactly is “normal”? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as what’s normal for one baby may not be for another.
Color, consistency, and frequency of poop can differ. The type of feeding, either breast milk or formula, matters as well. When babies first start a hypoallergenic formula, it may take up to two weeks for their tummies to adjust and to find their “new normal.” Remember, occasional poop changes are healthy, especially when a baby starts eating solid food. Keep an eye out for sudden changes in your baby’s bowel habits and don’t be afraid to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns.
Below are some general guidelines to help you better understand poopy diapers.
Color and Consistency:
Breastfed Babies
Exclusively breastfed babies typically have light mustard yellow poop with seed-like specks. The consistency of these stools can range from loose and runny to very soft.
Formula-fed Babies
Babies on standard (milk or soy-based) infant formula usually have tan or yellow stools. These stools are often firmer than those of a breastfed baby, with consistency similar to peanut butter.
Babies on Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas (like Pepticate!)
Infants on a hypoallergenic extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF) typically have poop that is often light brown or yellow in color.
Babies on Amino Acid-Based Formulas (Neocate Infant)
Stools may be green or dark green if a baby is on an amino acid-based hypoallergenic formula such as Neocate Infant®. The consistency of these stools is often pasty (think peanut butter), sometimes loose and watery, or occasionally formed and hard. The green color and pasty consistency are thought to be due to the way children absorb and digest this formula.
Important Considerations:
Blood in the stool is NOT typical, regardless of what your baby is drinking or eating. If you see red in the diaper or the stool looks black, contact your doctor immediately. These may be signs of a food allergy. Some mucus in the stool is normal, but a lot of mucus over an extended period can also signal a food allergy. If this happens, please contact your doctor.
Quick Reference Guide by Color:
|
Color |
Description |
|
Brown |
Normal. |
|
Green |
More common if your baby is on an amino acid-based formula, like Neocate Infant. |
|
Orange or Yellow |
Common when breastfeeding, feeding Pepticate or Neocate® Syneo® Infant, or after introducing baby foods like strained carrots. |
|
White |
Call the doctor to be safe. The chalky color could indicate a lack of bile from the liver. |
|
Black |
Consult the doctor. Tarry, black poop may indicate blood in the stool which can signal a variety of allergic or digestive conditions. |
|
Red |
Consult a doctor to be safe. Reddish poop could come from a colorful last meal (like beets), but bright red in the poop can also indicate blood. |
Frequency:
The frequency of baby poop can vary. Some newborns may have a bowel movement after each feeding, while others may go once a day or even once every two days. During the first weeks of life, until you learn your baby’s bowel habits, it’s common advice to call the doctor if your baby goes for three or more days without a bowel movement. Although infrequent stools usually aren’t cause for concern, if accompanied by discomfort, hard stools, or straining, be sure to contact your child’s healthcare provider.
Keep in mind that at times, newborn stools may be soft and slightly runny, making it difficult to tell if they have diarrhea. Look for a significant increase in frequency or an extremely liquid bowel movement. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so call the doctor at the first sign of it.
That’s It?
We’d love to say that these are all the questions we get about diapers, but we’ve only scratched the surface! If you don’t find your answer here, please ask your question below or reach out to your healthcare provider.
We hope these answers help you when starting Pepticate. If you have questions about using Pepticate, please contact our Medical Services team at: 1-800-365-7354 (option 3) Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm, ET or at nutritionservices@nutricia.com
Authored by: Alexa Klein, MS RDN, Medical Affairs Associate. June 2025.
Alexa has been a dietitian for 8 years and has worked for the Medical Services team at Nutricia for the past 3 years. She has spoken to hundreds of Pepticate caregivers. She is an expert in the science behind Pepticate and food allergies. She can relate to families using Pepticate because her daughter used the product when she was an infant.
References:
- Baby’s First Days: Bowel Movements & Urination (Nov 14, 2024). HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/babys-first-days-bowel-movements-and-urination.aspx
- Fleddermann M, et al. Safety and Suitability of Infant Formula Manufactured from Extensively Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Compared to Intact Protein: A Combined Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Studies. Nutrients. 2024;16.
- Healthy Lifestyle – Infant and Toddler Health (Jan 26, 2024). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/baby-poop/faq-20057971
