The number of times a healthy newborn baby passes stools per day can vary depending on the type of feeding, typically 3-5 times a day for breastfed babies and 1-3 times a day for formula-fed babies.
Within a few days after birth, babies empty their intestines of the first batch of feces, often called “meconium”. This thick, black or dark green substance accumulates in the baby’s intestines before birth, and after the meconium has been completely emptied, the baby’s stools turn yellowish green.
Exclusively breastfed babies have 3 to 5 bowel movements per day. Some babies may show more frequent bowel movements, even 7 to 8, but with good general condition and good weight gain, it is usually considered normal as well. For formula-fed babies, about 1~3 bowel movements per day.
The warning signs of diarrhea are a sudden increase in the number of bowel movements (more stools per day than breastfeeding) and an abnormally high level of water in the stools. Consultation with a specialist for evaluation is recommended when necessary.