- Main causes of green stools in the baby
- 1. Meconium
- 2. Breastfeeding
- 3. Changing milk
- 4. Intestinal infection
- 5. Green foods
- 6. Antibiotics
It is normal for the baby's first poop to be dark green or black due to the substances that have accumulated in its intestine during pregnancy. However, this color can also indicate the presence of infection, food intolerance or may be a consequence of the change in milk, or even, due to the use of medications.
When the green poop is accompanied by other symptoms such as heavy crying or fever, it is recommended to take it to the pediatrician so that he can assess what is happening and indicate the necessary treatment.
Main causes of green stools in the baby
1. Meconium
Meconium is the baby's first poop and is characterized by having a dark green or black color, which lightens over the days. It is normal for the dark color to remain for up to a week after delivery, when it then begins to lighten and become a little yellow, and greenish lumps may also appear. Learn more about meconium.
What to do: Continue feeding the baby normally, as this color change is natural and healthy.
2. Breastfeeding
It is normal for babies who take exclusively breast milk to have light green stools. However, if the stool gets darker and with a foamy texture, it may be a sign that he is only sucking the top of the milk that comes out of the breast, which is rich in lactose and low in fats, which does not favor its growth.
What to do: Be careful that the baby completely empties one breast before passing it to the other, as the fatty part of the milk comes at the end of the feed. If the baby gets tired or stops breastfeeding, when he feels hungry again, the same breast should be given as the previous breastfeeding, so that he finishes receiving the nutrients.
3. Changing milk
Children who take milk formulas usually have dark yellow stools, but the color often changes to greenish when changing formula.
What to do: If everything is fine, after about 3 days the color will return to normal, but it is also important to observe if other signs such as diarrhea and frequent cramps appear, as they may be a sign of intolerance to the new formula. In these cases, you should go back to the old formula and see your pediatrician to receive new indications.
4. Intestinal infection
Intestinal infection makes intestinal transit faster, causing diarrhea. As a result, bile, a greenish substance responsible for digesting fats, is eliminated quickly from the intestine.
What to do: If your baby has 3 more liquid stools than normal or if he also has symptoms of fever or vomiting, you should see your pediatrician.
5. Green foods
The color of the stool may also be due to a sensitivity to foods in the mother's diet or the high consumption of green foods by babies already consuming solid foods, such as spinach, broccoli and lettuce.
What to do: Women who breastfeed should have a balanced diet and be attentive to the consumption of new foods that may cause changes in the stools of babies, including cow's milk, which can cause allergies in the child. For babies who consume solid foods, remove the green vegetables and observe the improvement of the symptom.
6. Antibiotics
The use of medications such as antibiotics can change the color of the stool by decreasing the intestinal flora, as the beneficial bacteria in the intestine also contribute to the natural color of the poop. In addition, the use of iron supplements can also cause dark green tones.
What to do: Observe the color improvement 3 days after the end of the medication, and see the pediatrician in cases where the changes persist or if symptoms of pain and diarrhea appear. However, if the baby's stools are reddish or dark brown, there may be intestinal bleeding or liver problems. Know other causes of green stools.
