Question

Why does my baby’s stool appear green?

Answer

The color and texture of a baby’s stool can provide important information about their health and diet. Normally, breastfed babies have stool that is yellow or golden in color, with a consistency like cream or paste. Occasionally, stool may be slightly greenish and loose, which is usually a normal occurrence. Formula-fed babies’ stool may be more pale yellow or grayish-brown, harder in texture, and may contain milk residue with a stronger odor. The frequency of bowel movements is typically 1 to 4 times per day. If your baby’s stool appears green, it may be due to the following reasons:

  1. Excessive Iron Intake: If your baby is consuming too much iron, it can cause green stool. This often happens when formula with high iron content is used.
  2. Improper Formula Dilution: Whether the formula is too diluted or too concentrated can affect the color of the stool.
  3. Imbalanced Gut Flora: An imbalance in the gut bacteria can also lead to the production of green stool. To help improve your baby’s green stool issue, you can try:
  • Adjusting the formula dilution, ensuring you follow the instructions on the formula packaging.
  • Monitoring iron intake, making sure your baby does not consume too much iron.
  • Considering adding probiotics, which can help adjust