Newborn, day by day · Day 5
Newborn day 5: diapers, poop and feeding
Last reviewed November 2026 against AAP, CDC, NHS and WHO guidance · Sources
Quick answer
On day 5, expect 5–6 or more wet diapers and 2–3 or more poops (turning yellow). Most newborns feed 8–12 or more times in 24 hours, and formula-fed babies take about 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) per feed. If milk hasn't come in by day 5, get your baby weighed. Every baby is different, so watch diapers and cues.
- Wet diapers
- 5–6 or more
- Poops
- 2–3 or more
- Feeds / 24h
- 8–12 or more
On this page
What's normal on day 5?
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Wet diapers | 5–6 or more |
| Poops | 2–3 or more |
| Poop color | Turning yellow (breastfed) or yellow-tan (formula) |
| Feeds in 24 hours | 8–12 or more |
| Breast milk per feed | Milk should be in; up to about 60 ml (2 oz) a feed this week |
| Formula per feed | About 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) |
| Milk | Milk should be in by now |
| Weight | Most babies start gaining around now |
How much does a 5-day-old eat?
By day 5 your milk should be in. The AAP lists milk that hasn't come in by day 5 as a reason to get your baby weighed right away.
Feeds usually feel more productive: long, rhythmic sucks with swallows and a calmer baby afterward (NHS). Full-term babies generally take no more than 60 ml (2 oz) a feed in the first week (HSE).
How many diapers should a 5-day-old have?
From day 5, the NHS expects at least 6 wet diapers every 24 hours, and the AAP 5–6 or more. Poops should be turning yellow: the NHS expects at least 2 soft yellow poops a day after about day 5 or 6, and many breastfed babies have more.
See every day side by side in wet diapers by day and the baby poop color guide.
What else is normal on day 5?
- Most babies start regaining weight around now (AAP).
- Feeling weepy, overwhelmed or teary in these days is very common. If low mood feels heavy or doesn't lift, tell your doctor or midwife.
What happens on day 6?
Day 6 usually looks like a steadier version of day 5: 6 or more wet diapers and several yellow poops.
Read next: Newborn day 6
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
How many dirty diapers should a 5-day-old have?
At least 2 soft yellow poops a day from about day 5 or 6 (NHS), and the AAP expects 3 to 4 yellow, loose stools by days 5 to 7 for breastfed babies. Formula-fed babies should have at least one a day.
Is it okay if my 5-day-old is still losing weight?
Most babies start gaining around day 5, according to the AAP. If your baby is still losing, has fewer wet diapers or still has dark poops, call your pediatrician for a weight check.
How many wet diapers should a 5-day-old have?
Expect 5–6 or more wet diapers in 24 hours on day 5, plus 2–3 or more poops that are turning yellow. 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.
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Warning Signs of Breastfeeding Problems
- NHS: Breastfeeding: milk supply
- HSE (Ireland's public health service): How much breast milk to express
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: How to Tell if Your Breastfed Baby is Getting Enough Milk
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Your Baby's First Month: Growth & Physical Appearance
- 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.