Question
A two-and-a-half-month-old male infant has had yellow-colored stools in the past, but for the past week, his stools have been predominantly green, with a daily bowel movement and formula feeding. Is it appropriate to give him probiotics? If so, how should the dosage be determined?
Answer
For breastfed infants, green stools may indicate that the baby is not eating sufficiently or that the mother has consumed a large amount of vegetables. For formula-fed infants, it could be because the iron in the formula is not fully absorbed. Additionally, the intake of medication or supplements may also affect stool color, and in most cases, there is no need to be overly concerned. If the infant shows symptoms of dyspepsia, it is recommended to increase fluid intake and gently massage the infant’s abdomen. At the same time, breastfeeding mothers should pay attention to their diet, reduce the intake of fatty foods, and increase