During the first few days the baby passes sticky, black stools (meconium) which gradually change to loose (sometime very loose) mustard – coloured stools. They may also vary in colour from bright orange to green.

After the first few weeks, it is perfectly normal for some babies to pass six or more stools per day and for others to pass only one stool every seven days when they are a little older. Exclusively breastfed babies do not become constipated.