Newborn, day by day · Day 2
Newborn day 2: diapers, poop and feeding
Last reviewed November 2026 against AAP, CDC, NHS and WHO guidance · Sources
Quick answer
On day 2, expect 2–3 wet diapers and 1–2 poops (black to dark green meconium). Most newborns feed 8–12 or more times in 24 hours, and formula-fed babies take about ½–1 oz (15–30 ml) per feed. Lots of night feeding is common today and helps bring milk in. Every baby is different, so watch diapers and cues.
- Wet diapers
- 2–3
- Poops
- 1–2
- Feeds / 24h
- 8–12 or more
On this page
What's normal on day 2?
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Wet diapers | 2–3 |
| Poops | 1–2 |
| Poop color | Black to dark green (meconium) |
| Feeds in 24 hours | 8–12 or more |
| Breast milk per feed | About 5–15 ml of colostrum |
| Formula per feed | About ½–1 oz (15–30 ml) |
| Milk | Colostrum; milk can start coming in from day 2 |
| Weight | Still losing a little (normal) |
How much does a 2-day-old eat?
Day 2 is often when babies wake up and want to feed a lot, especially at night. Many parents call it second-night fussiness. Frequent feeding is normal and helps bring your milk in.
Colostrum feeds are around 5–15 ml each (HSE). Formula-fed babies often take about ½–1 oz (15–30 ml).
How many diapers should a 2-day-old have?
Expect 2–3 wet diapers (the NHS says 2 or 3 in the first 48 hours is typical) and 1–2 black, tarry meconium poops (AAP).
You might see a pink or orange-red stain in a wet diaper in the first days. The AAP says this is usually concentrated urine, not blood. Mention it if it keeps happening once feeds pick up.
See every day side by side in wet diapers by day and the baby poop color guide.
What else is normal on day 2?
- If you go home today, the AAP recommends a checkup no more than 48 hours after discharge. Bring your feed and diaper notes.
- Nipple soreness is common early on. Severe pain or cracking isn't something to push through: ask for latch help.
What happens on day 3?
Day 3 usually brings 3 or more wet diapers and the first greenish-brown transitional poops.
Read next: Newborn day 3
When to call your pediatrician
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby 3 months or younger. The AAP says to call right away, even if your baby seems otherwise well.
- Fewer wet diapers than expected for the day of life (see the table above), or dark yellow urine.
- No meconium (black, sticky poop) in the first 48 hours, or still black or dark green poop on day 5.
- Pink or brick-red staining in the diaper that keeps showing up after the first few days, or blood in the urine.
- Not back to birth weight by about 2 weeks, or your baby seems hungry after nearly every feed.
- Breastfeeding parent: milk hasn't come in by day 5, or breasts stay hard and full after feeds.
- Very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, floppy, or unusually quiet.
- Yellow skin or eyes that spread or deepen, or any yellow color in the first 24 hours.
- Trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, or your baby is limp or very hard to wake: call 911 (or your local emergency number) now.
If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call. You never need a reason beyond worry.
Questions parents ask
Why does my 2-day-old want to feed constantly?
Frequent feeding on day 2 is very common and helps bring in your milk. Colostrum comes in small amounts (about 5–15 ml per feed, per the HSE), so short, frequent feeds make sense. Watch for 2–3 wet diapers and some meconium.
Is orange or pink in the diaper normal on day 2?
Often, yes. The AAP describes a pink or brick-red stain in the first week that is often mistaken for blood but usually reflects concentrated urine. If it keeps showing up as feeds increase, mention it to your pediatrician.
How many wet diapers should a 2-day-old have?
Expect 2–3 wet diapers in 24 hours on day 2, plus 1–2 poops that are black to dark green meconium. Fewer wet diapers than that, or dark urine, is a reason to call your pediatrician.
Related guides
- How many wet diapers should a newborn have?Newborn wet and dirty diapers by day, from day 1 to week 2: how many to expect, poop color changes, and when fewer diapers mean it's time to call.
- Baby poop color guide: what's normal and what's notA baby poop color chart: meconium, transitional green, mustard yellow, formula tan, plus the colors (red, black, white) that mean call your pediatrician.
- How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milkSigns a breastfed baby is getting enough: wet and dirty diapers by day, weight gain, swallowing and contentment after feeds, plus the warning signs to act on.
- How much should a 1-week-old eat?How much a 1-week-old eats: 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) per feed, 8–12 times a day. Daily totals, a sample schedule, hunger cues and when to call the doctor.
- How to track baby feeding and diapersWhy pediatricians ask about feeds and diapers, exactly what to log for breast, bottle and combo feeding, and paper vs notes app vs tracking app compared.
Free tools
Sources
Last reviewed November 2026. Numbers are ranges from these public health sources; 1 oz ≈ 30 ml.
- HSE (Ireland's public health service): How much breast milk to express
- NHS: Breastfeeding: milk supply
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Baby's First Days: Bowel Movements & Urination
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: How to Tell if Your Breastfed Baby is Getting Enough Milk
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Warning Signs of Breastfeeding Problems
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Fever and Your Baby
Feedoo Baby shares general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. If you're worried about feeding, weight gain, diapers or your baby's health, call your pediatrician, midwife or health visitor.