How many diapers should a newborn have?

Short answer: in the first days, expect about one wet diaper for each day of life: one on day 1, two on day 2, and so on. From day 5 or 6, a well-fed newborn has 6 or more wet diapers a day. Poop starts black and sticky (meconium) and turns yellow by about day 4 or 5. Fewer wet diapers than this, or no poop turning yellow by day 5, is a reason to call your doctor or midwife.

Diapers by day of life

Numbers vary between hospitals and countries; these are the common minimums. Formula-fed babies usually have fewer, firmer stools than breastfed babies.

What newborn poop looks like

• Days 1–2: meconium, black-green and tar-like.
• Days 3–4: transitional, greenish-brown and looser.
• Day 5 on, breastfed: mustard yellow, runny, with small seeds.
• Day 5 on, formula-fed: tan to yellow-brown, like peanut butter.

After the first month, some breastfed babies go several days without pooping and that's normal as long as the stool is soft when it comes and the baby is feeding and wetting well.

How to tell if a diaper is wet

Modern disposables are so absorbent that a wet diaper can feel dry. A heavy wet diaper weighs about the same as 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water poured into a dry one. Many diapers have a wetness line that changes color.

When to call your doctor

• Fewer wet diapers than the table above, or fewer than 6 a day after day 5
• Dark yellow or orange urine, or reddish "brick dust" crystals after day 3
• Still passing meconium after day 4–5
• White, gray or clay-colored poop, or blood in the stool
• A sunken soft spot, dry mouth, no tears, unusual sleepiness or poor feeding

If your baby seems unwell or you're unsure, call. In an emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number).