Welcoming your newborn into the world comes with many firsts, and nappies, poos and wees are definitely some of them. As Midwives we are obsessed with your baby’s nappy habits, how often they poo and wee, what colour is their poo and what consistency is it – did you know you can even get apps that monitor them for you!
In the early days, your baby’s nappy can tell you a lot about how they’re feeding and adjusting to life outside of the womb. At My Expert Midwife, we’re here to help you understand what’s normal (and what’s not) when it comes to nappy care, poo, and wee.
Meconium: Baby’s First Poo
In the first 24–48 hours, expect to see meconium—a dark, sticky, tar-like substance made up of everything your baby ingested in the womb. It can be tough to wipe off, so using a gentle barrier such as Bum Balm before every change can help it to come away without scrubbing and damaging their fragile skin.
Transition Poo
By day 3–4, baby’s poo changes to a lighter brown or khaki-greenish colour as feeds increase. This is a good sign that their digestive system is working well.
Breastfed vs Formula-Fed Poo
Breastfed babies often have mustard-yellow poo with a seedy texture (think Chicken Korma) and can poo up to several times a day as breastmilk is very easily digested by your newborn, so in one end and out of the other quite literally! Formula-fed babies tend to have firmer, tan or brown poos, and may go slightly less often.
Remember, every baby is different, but if your baby hasn't passed meconium in the first 24 hours, or you’re concerned about their bowel habits, speak with your midwife or health visitor.
What About Wee?
In the first few days, babies may only wee once or twice. But by day 4–5, you should see around 5+ wet nappies a day, and they should start to feel heavier, this is a reassuring sign that your baby is feeding well and staying hydrated.
A pale-yellow wee is what you're looking for. If nappies are very dry or the wee is dark or has a reddish 'brick dust' stain, or pinkish or orange crystals let your midwife know, they all indicate that baby is dehydrated and needs more feeds. They usually resolve quickly but if they persist or are accompanied by other signs of dehydration or illness your midwife may refer you back to the hospital for further investigation.
Nappy Changing Tips from the Experts
Change your baby’s nappy regularly – newborns often wee or poo during or just after feeds, so check frequently.
Clean gently – use warm water and cotton wool (or fragrance-free wipes) to clean from front to back, especially in baby girls to reduce the risk of introducing infection. Use a clean piece of cotton wool for each wipe.
Do not retract (pull back) the foreskin of baby boys it is still attached to the tip of the penis and will not detach for some months or even years. Pulling it back can cause your baby boy penile trauma. Just clean the outside carefully and don’t forget to clean well around the scrotum (balls) where poo can get stuck and cause soreness.
Dry and protect their bottoms. Pat them dry using a soft towel or cloth and use a barrier cream such as our Bum Balm to protect delicate skin against the acidity of poo and wee, and to nourish and hydrate their vulnerable skin.
Watch for nappy rash which may present as patches of redness, little spots or broken or blistered skin? Nappy rash is caused by prolonged exposure to poo and wee, both of which are more acidic than a baby’s skin so can start to burn it. As Midwives we recommend giving your baby plenty of nappy-free time which allows the air to circulate and limits the time they are sitting in a dirty or wet nappy. Use only products that are designed for baby’s skin such as our Baby Wash when bathing or top and tailing and which will not only gently cleanse their skin but add nourishment and hydration back into it and will avoid disturbing their incredible living shield known as the Microbiome.
When to Seek Advice
it’s time to check in with your midwife or GP if your baby:
· Has had no wet nappies in 12+ hours,
· very hard or very watery poo,
· blood or mucus,
· or any skin breakdown, bleeding, or persistent nappy rash.
Remember that every baby is unique, and although nappy changing might feel like it should be straightforward it’s not always, but you’re not alone. Your midwife is there to support you, and so are we with expert-developed products and practical advice from our in-house Registered Midwives every step of the way.
We have lots of useful information about baby skincare, rashes, nappy care and the Microbime on our website, and we also have a Call The Midwife button which allows you to send us a non-urgent query about our products and services, or about anything to do with pregnancy, labour, birth, recovery and newborn care. If you are concerned about bleeding, pain, reduced baby movements or anything else we would advise you contact your midwife, local Maternity Assessment Unit, 111 or 999.
