Question

Why does a baby’s stool turn green?

Answer

There are several possible reasons why a baby might have green stools:

  1. During breastfeeding, if the baby hasn’t eaten enough, the intestinal movement may speed up, resulting in green stools. As long as the baby’s milk intake is normal, mood is good, sleep is sound, and weight is increasing normally, no special treatment is usually necessary.
  2. In cases of mixed feeding, if the baby hasn’t eaten enough, rapid intestinal movement may also lead to green stools. It’s important to ensure that the baby receives enough milk.
  3. Catching a cold can also cause rapid intestinal movement, leading to green stools. If the baby only has green stools without other discomforts, the condition can usually be improved by enhancing abdominal warmth. Symptoms often disappear after a few days. However, if the baby has cold symptoms, it may require simultaneous treatment for the cold.
  4. If green stools are accompanied by diarrhea and excessive water intake, it may be due to indigestion or infection. It’s important to take the baby to the hospital for a stool check promptly to determine the cause and receive treatment.