There are a handful of moments in early motherhood you remember vividly: that first sleepy smile, the way their tiny fingers curl around yours… and, of course, the first diaper you open. If you haven’t heard much about newborn poop yet, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.
It’s one of those less glamorous topics that somehow gets left out of all the baby books.
But that first diaper holds more information than you’d think. And once you know what’s normal, it becomes a lot less surprising (and a lot less scary.)
Let’s walk through what that first poop is, why it looks the way it does, and how it changes over those early days.
What is meconium?
Your baby’s first poop has a name: meconium. It’s thick, sticky, tar-like, and usually dark green or nearly black. Think “melted crayons,” not “typical diaper contents.”
It forms in your baby’s digestive system during pregnancy, made up of things like amniotic fluid, skin cells, lanugo (that soft newborn fuzz), and other bits that kept them safe and cozy in the womb.
Meconium is odorless, which feels like a small kindness during those first few days.
When should it show up?
Most babies pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth. Some may even pass a little during delivery.
If you notice your baby hasn’t pooped within the first day, it’s worth mentioning to your care team, they'll want to be sure everything is moving as expected. But for most newborns, it appears right on schedule.
How to make meconium cleanup easier (a little LPC magic)
This is one of those tiny newborn hacks you only learn from another mom:
Apply a thin layer of La Petite Crème to your baby’s bottom before the first poop happens.
Because meconium is sticky - truly, impressively sticky - having a protective layer in place helps it glide off instead of clinging to every fold and crease. It saves time, reduces friction on delicate skin, and keeps that first diaper change from turning into a 20-minute warm-water wipe-down.
Just a thin coat is all you need.
This small step makes those first few changes so much gentler for your baby - and honestly, easier for you too.
What happens next?
If baby is breastfed:
The poop transitions from dark and sticky → greenish → mustard yellow and seedy. Loose, frequent, and totally normal.
If baby is formula-fed:
Expect a thicker, smoother texture and tan or light brown color.
For both:
Frequency varies wildly. Some go after nearly every feed; others take their time. Comfort + weight gain = all good.
General diaper-care tips in those early days
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Use warm water or soft cloths
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Avoid rubbing or scrubbing
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Let the area air out when possible
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Keep products outside the vaginal or anal openings
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Reapply balm or lotion gently to protect newborn skin
Petites pensées
Those first diapers can catch you off guard, but they also remind you that your baby is learning how to be here - with your steady hands guiding the way. You’re both new at this, and that’s okay. Take the wins where they come, breathe through the surprises, and let these early lessons unfold one tiny moment at a time.