White or Pale Baby Poo: When to See a Doctor Urgently | Parenting Hub
Chalky white, grey or very pale poo in a baby can be a sign of a liver or bile-duct problem. See a GP the same day.
Most baby poo colours are normal. White, chalky, putty-grey or very pale poo is the one colour that always needs same-day medical review — it can be a sign of a liver or bile-duct problem.
Why colour matters
Poo gets its brown-yellow colour from bile (made in the liver, stored in the gall bladder). If bile isn't reaching the gut, poo loses its colour and becomes chalky-white, putty-coloured or pale grey. This can be a sign of a serious liver condition such as biliary atresia, which needs early treatment.
What to look for
- Pale putty, chalky white or grey poo
- Especially concerning in the first 8 weeks of life
- Yellow skin or yellow eyes beyond 2 weeks of age (prolonged jaundice)
- Very dark urine (instead of the usual pale yellow)
What to do
Take a photo of the nappy and see your GP the same day. Bring the nappy or photo with you. In an unwell baby, go straight to the emergency department.
When to seek help
- Chalky white, pale grey or putty-coloured poo
- Prolonged jaundice past 2 weeks of age
- Dark tea-coloured urine
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
Common questions
Could it just be from milk?
Very pale yellow can occur with all-milk diets, but truly chalky-white or grey-putty is not from milk. It always needs a doctor's review.