Newborn nappies: what's normal?

In the first couple of weeks, nappies are one of the main ways midwives check a baby is feeding well. Which is why you'll find yourself, against every expectation you had of parenthood, discussing the contents in real detail. Here's roughly what to expect.

Wet nappies, day by day

The NHS guide runs about like this: in the first 48 hours, two or three wet nappies is typical. Around days three and four you'd expect three or more, and they start feeling heavier. By days five and six, five or more heavy ones. From about day seven onwards, six or more heavy wet nappies a day is the sign things are going well.

Dirty nappies change colour, and that's fine

The first day or two produce meconium, which is greenish black and sticky, and cleans up about as easily as tar. By around day three it turns lighter, runnier and greener. By about day five it's usually yellow. That progression is one of the things your midwife will ask about, because it shows milk is getting through.

When to mention it

Fewer wet nappies than the rough counts above, no dirty nappy in the first couple of days, or poo that stays dark past the first few days are all worth telling your midwife or health visitor about. Not as an emergency, just as something they'll want to know. And if you're unsure, ask anyway.

The NHS page on changing a nappy covers the practical side.

If feeding is on your mind too, there's a guide on how often a newborn should feed.