A newborn baby’s stool changes color within the first few days of his life. Meconium gives his first few stools a dark consistency that makes them look like tar. This should not be a cause for panic in first time mothers. If a baby is not passing meconium during the first few hours of his life, then there’s a problem. Newborns usually pass this substance within 24 hours. It will also tell you that your baby is getting enough of the concentrated form of your breast milk known as the colostrum and has lowered risk for developing jaundice.

A normal newborn’s stool will take on a lighter color in three to five days, turning from greenish brown to a yellowish, mustard-like color. They are also normally loose, even curd-like or watery. These are all normal and only mean that your baby is getting his fair share of your milk. This could, however, pose a problem in diaper changing as this would mean three to four diapers are getting soiled each day. Most breastfed babies normally pass stool after feeding, and hardly ever become constipated. Formula-fed babies are, of course, a different matter as they are more likely to develop problems from constipation to lactose intolerance. Black stools that accompany constipation are usually caused by iron supplementation and are only often seen in formula-fed newborns.

Whatever the characteristics and consistency of your baby’s stool, it is reassuring to know that you have the best diapers-such that huggies printable coupons offer-to keep his poops in place.