Baby Black Poop
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIDDK guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing baby black poop, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Black poop in a newborn's first few days (meconium) is completely normal and expected. Black or very dark green stools can also be caused by iron supplements or iron-fortified formula. However, black tarry stools outside of the newborn period that are not explained by iron can indicate digested blood from higher in the digestive tract and should be evaluated by a doctor promptly.
Key takeaways
- Black poop in a newborn's first few days (meconium) is completely normal and expected. Black or very dark green stools can also be caused by iron supplements or iron-fortified formula. However, black tarry stools outside of the newborn period that are not explained by iron can indicate digested blood from higher in the digestive tract and should be evaluated by a doctor promptly.
- Usually normal when: Your newborn is passing dark black-green meconium in the first 2-3 days of life
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has black, tarry, sticky stools (like tar or coffee grounds) that are not explained by iron supplements or meconium, as this can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIDDK guidelines, black poop in a newborn's first few days (meconium) is completely normal and expected. Black or very dark green stools can also be caused by iron supplements or iron-fortified formula. However, black tarry stools outside of the newborn period that are not explained by iron can indicate digested blood from higher in the digestive tract and should be evaluated by a doctor promptly. At 0-5 days, meconium is the first stool your baby passes, and it is normally dark greenish-black, thick, sticky, and tar-like. This is made up of material your baby ingested in the womb, including amniotic fluid, mucus, and bile. Meconium should transition to lighter green and then yellow stools within the first 3-5 days. This transition is a sign that feeding is going well. It is generally considered normal when your newborn is passing dark black-green meconium in the first 2-3 days of life. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has black, tarry, sticky stools (like tar or coffee grounds) that are not explained by iron supplements or meconium, as this can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-5 days
Meconium is the first stool your baby passes, and it is normally dark greenish-black, thick, sticky, and tar-like. This is made up of material your baby ingested in the womb, including amniotic fluid, mucus, and bile. Meconium should transition to lighter green and then yellow stools within the first 3-5 days. This transition is a sign that feeding is going well.
1 week - 6 months
After the meconium period, truly black stools are not normal unless your baby is taking iron supplements, which commonly turn stools dark green to black. If your baby has black tarry stools and is not on iron, this could indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding (where blood is digested as it passes through the intestines) and needs medical evaluation right away.
6-12 months
Iron-fortified cereals and iron supplements started around this age are the most common cause of dark or black stools in this age range. Some foods like blueberries, blackberries, and foods with dark food coloring can also darken stools. If iron intake explains the color, there is no concern. Unexplained black tarry stools always warrant a call to your doctor.
12-36 months
Black stools in toddlers are most commonly caused by foods (blueberries, blackberries, dark chocolate, black licorice, grape juice) or iron-containing vitamins. Bismuth-containing products like Pepto-Bismol (not recommended for children but sometimes given inadvertently) can also cause black stools. Unexplained black tarry stools need medical evaluation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby black poop and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are unsure whether your baby's dark stools are from iron supplements or another cause.
- Mention if meconium-like stools persist beyond the first 5 days of life without transitioning to yellow or green.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your newborn is passing dark black-green meconium in the first 2-3 days of life
- Your baby is taking iron drops or iron-fortified formula and stools are dark green to black
- Your baby ate blueberries, blackberries, or foods with dark coloring and has a dark stool
- The dark stool is temporary and your baby is otherwise well with no symptoms
- You are unsure whether your baby's dark stools are from iron supplements or another cause
- Meconium-like stools persist beyond the first 5 days of life without transitioning to yellow or green
- Your baby has very dark stools along with increased fussiness or decreased feeding
- Your baby has black, tarry, sticky stools (like tar or coffee grounds) that are not explained by iron supplements or meconium, as this can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract
- Black stools are accompanied by vomiting (especially vomit that looks like coffee grounds), lethargy, or pallor
- Your baby appears unwell with black stools, including signs of pain, poor feeding, or unusual drowsiness
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby black poop — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your newborn is passing dark black-green meconium in the first 2-3 days of life — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-5 days, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has black, tarry, sticky stools (like tar or coffee grounds) that are not explained by iron supplements or meconium, as this can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Related Resources
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby black poop normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby black poop?
When is baby black poop normal?
What causes baby black poop?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby black poop?
Is baby black poop normal at 0-5 days?
Is baby black poop normal at 1 week - 6 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby black poop?
Does baby black poop go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Black Poop.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby black poop and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are unsure whether your baby's dark stools are from iron supplements or another cause.
- Mention if meconium-like stools persist beyond the first 5 days of life without transitioning to yellow or green.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You are unsure whether your baby's dark stools are from iron supplements or another cause
- Meconium-like stools persist beyond the first 5 days of life without transitioning to yellow or green
- Your baby has very dark stools along with increased fussiness or decreased feeding
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has black, tarry, sticky stools (like tar or coffee grounds) that are not explained by iron supplements or meconium, as this can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract
- Black stools are accompanied by vomiting (especially vomit that looks like coffee grounds), lethargy, or pallor
- Your baby appears unwell with black stools, including signs of pain, poor feeding, or unusual drowsiness
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby black poop are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has black, tarry, sticky stools (like tar or coffee grounds) that are not explained by iron supplements or meconium, as this can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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