Question
Dear Expert! My three-month-old baby has been experiencing black or green stools for several consecutive days, along with an increase in bowel movements. What could be the cause of this?
Answer
There are various reasons why a baby might pass black stools. If the baby is being breastfed, and the mother consumes foods like spinach or other vegetables that can cause stool color changes, the baby may also experience black stools due to the intake of breast milk. Additionally, if the baby does not have abdominal pain or abnormal crying, it is advisable to observe the situation first. If parents are worried, they can perform routine stool checks and occult blood tests on the baby to confirm if there is any bleeding. Generally, as long as the baby shows no other symptoms, there is usually no major issue and observation can continue. However, if the baby passes black stools accompanied by other symptoms such as abnormal crying or abdominal distension, it is recommended to bring the child to a hospital for examination to ensure safety. Consider performing routine stool tests along with occult blood tests and abdominal ultrasound.