Changing stools and number of wet/dirty nappies

This chapter discusses changing stools and number of wet/dirty nappies. In the first 48 hours 1–2 wet nappies can be used. Stool (meconium) is dark green/black, thick and sticky from birth to 2 days. Stool becomes a less dark green/brown colour and may have ‘seeds' of yellow in it in 3–4 days. Stool is usually yellow in 5–6 days. Breastfed babies continue to pass soft yellow, low-odour stools relatively frequently until about 3–4 weeks. This reduces to a bowel movement every 2–3 days after that. Formula-fed babies are more likely to pass paler, more formed stools with a slight odour. These babies are prone to constipation.