Question

My baby is nine months old and has had black stools for three days. I am asking about the cause and how to deal with it. The baby has a mild iron deficiency anemia and no history of allergies, and I am seeking help to resolve the black stool issue.

Answer

If the baby’s stools are indeed black, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding. If they are dark green, it may indicate indigestion. If the baby is on iron supplements for treating iron deficiency anemia, the stools will also turn black. Here are three scenarios and corresponding measures:

  1. If the black stools are caused by iron treatment, there is no need to worry.
  2. If the stools are dark green, you can use probiotics, lactase, and pepsin solutions to improve absorption.
  3. If there is no iron supplement but the stools are still black, it is necessary to check the stool routine to determine if there is gastrointestinal bleeding. In this case, you should take the child to see a doctor immediately.