Swaddle
Counting diapers is one of the easiest ways to know your newborn is getting enough milk. Pediatricians and lactation consultants ask about it at every early visit.
Wet and dirty diapers by day
| Baby’s age | Wet diapers per 24 h | Dirty diapers per 24 h | Poop color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 or more | 1 or more | Black, sticky (meconium) |
| Day 2 | 2 or more | 1-2 | Black to dark green |
| Day 3 | 3 or more | 2 or more | Green to brown (changing) |
| Day 4 | 4 or more | 3 or more | Turning yellow |
| Day 5-6 | 5-6 or more | 3 or more | Yellow, often seedy (breastfed) |
| Week 2 to 6 | 6 or more | Often 3 or more (breastfed) | Yellow (breastfed), tan or yellow-brown (formula) |
These are typical minimums from breastfeeding guidance. Formula-fed babies often poop less often. After about 6 weeks, many breastfed babies poop less often too, sometimes only every few days, and that can be normal if they are feeding well, gaining weight and have plenty of wet diapers.
What counts as a wet diaper
A wet diaper should feel heavy, about as heavy as a dry diaper with 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water poured in. Modern diapers absorb so well that they can be hard to judge:
- Pour 3 tablespoons of water into a dry diaper once, to feel what “wet” is like.
- Use diapers with a wetness indicator line.
- Urine should be pale and mild-smelling after the first few days.
In the first days, you may see orange or pinkish crystals (urates) in the diaper. They can be normal on day 2 to 3, but if you still see them after day 3 to 4, mention it to your pediatrician or lactation consultant, as it can be a sign your baby needs more milk.
When to call your pediatrician
- Fewer wet diapers than the chart, especially after day 5
- Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine after the first week
- No dirty diaper in 24 hours in the first week (for breastfed babies)
- Black poop after day 4, or red, white or pale poop at any time
- Dry mouth, no tears, a sunken soft spot, or a very sleepy baby who is hard to wake for feeds
Track diapers with our printable newborn log, and see the baby poop color chart for what each color means.