The frequency of peeing and pooping in newborns to 1-year-olds can vary widely and often changes as they grow and their diet changes.

Here’s a general guideline to help you understand what’s typical:

Newborns

• Pee: Expect at least 6 wet diapers a day after the first week of life. Early on, newborns may have more, as they are consuming a liquid diet, whether it’s breast milk or formula.
• Poop: The first few days after birth, newborns pass meconium, a black, tar-like substance. After that, it changes to a yellowish, mustard color for breastfed babies, with a softer, runnier consistency that may occur after every feeding. Formula-fed babies might have slightly firmer stools that are tan or greenish in color, typically less frequently than breastfed babies, possibly once a day or every other day.

1 to 4 Months

• Pee: The frequency of wet diapers remains about 6 or more per day, as babies are primarily on a liquid diet.
• Poop: Breastfed babies may continue to have frequent bowel movements, sometimes with every feeding. However, it’s also normal for breastfed babies at this age to go several days or even a week without a bowel movement, as breast milk leaves very little waste to be expelled. Formula-fed babies usually have daily bowel movements, but this can vary.

4 to 6 Months

• Pee: As babies start to consume more at each feeding, the number of wet diapers remains consistent at about 6 or more per day.
• Poop: The introduction of solid foods can change the frequency, color, and consistency of a baby’s stool. It may become firmer and less frequent. Some babies will poop once a day or every other day, depending on their diet and how their digestive system handles the new foods.

6 to 12 Months

• Pee: Babies will continue to have around 6 or more wet diapers a day. The introduction of solid foods and the possible decrease in milk intake won’t significantly change the frequency of urination.
• Poop: As solid food intake becomes more significant, stools will become more formed and may occur with less frequency. The color and consistency can vary widely depending on the types of food they are eating. It’s normal for babies to experience changes in bowel movement patterns as their diet evolves.

Important Notes:

• Variability is Normal: There’s a wide range of normal when it comes to peeing and pooping in babies. Some variability day-to-day is expected.
• Signs to Watch For: Consistently dry diapers, for example, fewer than six wet diapers a day for newborns and young babies, can be a sign of dehydration and warrants a call to the pediatrician. Likewise, very hard stools or a baby who seems to be straining a lot to pass stool might be constipated, which also should be discussed with a doctor.
• Monitor Changes: Any sudden or significant changes in the frequency, consistency, or color of urine or stools should be mentioned to your pediatrician, especially if accompanied by fussiness, a change in eating habits, or signs of illness.

Remember, each baby is unique, and what’s normal can vary widely. When in doubt, consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is healthy and developing as expected.

The color of a baby’s poop

The color of a baby’s poop can vary widely and often reflects their diet, whether they’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or starting on solids.

Here’s a breakdown of poop color stages and indications of when you might need to worry:

Newborn Stage (Meconium)

• Color: Black or dark green
• What It Means: This is the first stool your baby will pass. Meconium is made up of materials ingested in utero, like amniotic fluid, mucus, and skin cells. It’s typically passed within the first few days after birth.
• When to Worry: If meconium is not passed within the first 48 hours after birth, it could indicate a blockage or other problem, and you should consult a doctor.

Transition Stage

• Color: Greenish to yellow
• What It Means: After the first few days, as your baby begins digesting breast milk or formula, their poop will transition from meconium to a lighter, more yellowish stool.
• When to Worry: No need to worry during this transition unless you notice the absence of bowel movements for more than a few days, which is worth discussing with your pediatrician.

Breastfed Babies

• Color: Mustard yellow, sometimes with seed-like particles
• What It Means: This is normal for breastfed babies. The poop is usually loose and may occur after every feeding.
• When to Worry: Rarely a concern unless you notice signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers), blood in the stool, or black, white, or red poop.

Formula-Fed Babies

• Color: Tan, greenish, or yellow
• What It Means: Formula-fed babies’ poop is typically a bit firmer than breastfed babies’, resembling a peanut butter consistency.
• When to Worry: Look out for extremely pale, red, or black stools, or signs of constipation, like hard, pellet-like stools.

Solid Foods

• Color: Brown, green, yellow, or orange
• What It Means: The introduction of solid foods will change the color and consistency of your baby’s poop, depending on what they are eating.
• When to Worry: Be alert to stools that are white, red (which could indicate blood), or black (indicating digested blood). These colors might suggest a digestive problem or an allergy.

When to Worry

• Black Stools: After the newborn stage, black stools could indicate digested blood, which requires immediate medical attention.
• White or Pale Stools: Can indicate a bile duct blockage and should be checked by a doctor.
• Red Stools: May indicate blood in the stool. While this could be from a small anal tear, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other causes.
• Consistency and Frequency: Extremely hard, dry stools or a sudden change in frequency (either increased or decreased) that is concerning to you should also prompt a consultation with your pediatrician.

It’s normal for babies’ bowel movement patterns and stool colors to vary, especially as their diet changes.

Most changes are not a cause for concern. However, trusting your instincts as a parent is important.

If you’re worried about your baby’s bowel movements or if they show signs of discomfort, dehydration, or illness, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.