Black liquid

Watery (no solid pieces)

Watery poos may occur occasionally in otherwise healthy babies. Breastfed infants may have very soft or even watery poos. If your baby passes three or more watery poos within 24 hours, or has watery poos over a longer period, this could be diarrhoea. Diarrhoea causes rapid loss of water. The younger the baby and the more frequent the watery poos, the bigger the concern.If your baby has diarrhoea, or you are concerned, please contact your healthcare professional immediately. Do not give your baby any anti-diarrhoea medication, oral supplements, or other remedies unless advised by your healthcare professional.

Black

A newborn’s first poo is called meconium. It is usually a thick, black or dark green, sometimes tar-like substance, and perfectly normal. The colour and consistency of the poo will change soon as your baby is drinking more milk. If your newborn has not passed meconium within 24 hours after birth, your newborn continues to have black poo for more than two to three days after birth, or your baby’s poo returns to the black or tar-like colour after having passed their meconium, contact your healthcare professional for advice. This is not a medical assessment or diagnosis. It is general information only. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.