MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

STOOLS & URINE Babies go through a lot of diapers in the first few months. And many new parents wonder what's normal and what's not when it comes to diapering their newborn. Dirty diapers You may hear your nurse or health care provider refer to your baby’s bowel movements as “stools.” Babies will have changes in the number, color, and consistency of their stools. If your baby is eating well, gaining weight, and not showing any signs of illness, this is normal. Wet diapers A newborn’s urine is typically clear and yellow. Over the first 3 days, you may see a red-orange stain in their diaper. This is caused by urate crystals (“brick dust”) in the baby’s urine. DEHYDRATION Dehydration can occur when your baby is not getting enough to eat, has been vomiting, or has diarrhea. Signs of dehydration • Irritable or weak cry • Sunken soft spot on top of head • Sleeping too much • Urate crystals in more than one diaper after day 3 • Less than 6 wet diapers after day 5

First 5 Days of Diapers Newborns should produce a healthy number of wet and dirty diapers over their first 5 days of life. Talk to your nurse or health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

DIAPER CHART

DAY 1 FIRST 24 HOURS

DAY 2 24 TO 48 HOURS

DAY 3 48 TO 72 HOURS

DAYS 4 & 5 72 TO 120 HOURS

Wet Diapers Per Day

At least 1

At least 2

At least 3

At least 4-5

Dirty Diapers Per Day

At least 1

At least 2

At least 3

At least 4-5

Stool Quality

Black ( Meconium )

Black or dark green Brown, green, or yellow Green or yellow, loose, and seedy

31

Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care