Meconium in Newborns: What's Normal | Parenting Hub
Meconium is the sticky, black-green poo your newborn passes in the first 24–48 hours. Here's what's normal and when to worry.
Meconium is the thick, tar-like, greenish-black poo your newborn passes in the first day or two. It's normal — and a sign their gut is working.
What it looks like
Thick, sticky, almost tar-like, very dark green to black. It can be hard to wipe — a smear of barrier cream on the bottom helps.
How long it lasts
- Day 1–2: pure meconium (black/green, sticky)
- Day 3–4: transitional poo — looser, greenish-brown
- Day 5+: milk poo — yellow/mustard and seedy (breastfed) or tan/pasty (formula)
How many nappies to expect
A useful rough guide for the first week:
- Day 1: at least 1 wet, 1 dirty
- Day 2: at least 2 wet, 2 dirty
- Day 3: at least 3 wet, 3 dirty
- Day 4+: 6+ heavy wet nappies and 3+ dirty per day
When to seek help
- No meconium passed in the first 24–48 hours — tell your midwife
- Meconium still black/sticky beyond day 4
- Fewer wet nappies than expected (possible dehydration)
- Vomiting bright green (bile) at any age — 000
Common questions
Why is it so sticky?
Meconium is made of swallowed amniotic fluid, skin cells and bile from before birth. The bile gives the dark green-black colour.
Does meconium mean my baby is feeding well?
Passing meconium shows the gut works. To know feeding is going well we look at the transition to yellow milk poos by day 5 and steady weight gain.