What color of stool should a breastfed baby have by day 5?

By day 5, a breastfed baby's stool typically should be yellow. This change in stool color is a normal part of the baby’s development and indicates that they are receiving adequate nutrition from breastfeeding. After the initial meconium (which is dark and tarry), stools transition to a yellow color as the baby begins digesting breast milk, which is rich in fats and nutrients. Yellow stools are often described as seedy and can vary in shade but usually indicate that the infant is feeding well and effectively absorbing the milk.

This progression to yellow stool is a key indicator of healthy feeding practices and is used by healthcare providers to assess whether the breastfeeding relationship is off to a good start. Observing this change can provide reassurance to parents about the baby's nutritional status.