Parents who have recently had a baby carefully monitor any changes associated with his condition. Even the contents of the diaper are not left without attention. In some cases, a change in the consistency, smell, or color of stool may indicate a specific problem.
When is green poop in a baby considered normal?
Babies' stools often change during the first year of life, becoming different colors, becoming thicker/thinner, or increasing in volume. In order to detect signs of deviation from the norm in time, most young mothers regularly pay attention to the contents of their diapers. Such constant control helps prevent the development various diseases, since an abnormal appearance of stool may be the first symptom of a disorder normal development the child's body.
When a baby has green stool, there is no reason to panic, since in some cases this is the norm. After the baby is born, meconium (the first stool) is viscous and dark-colored. green tint. Feces accumulate in the baby’s body in the womb and are eliminated gradually as the mother’s milk is consumed. Typically, meconium is removed from child's body during the first 2-3 days. At this time, the baby has very few bowel movements, since he only eats colostrum.
Starting from day 4, the baby's stool becomes lighter and more liquid. Greenish-gray stools indicate that the baby’s gastrointestinal tract is improving its functioning. If greenish stool the baby is not accompanied by other symptoms, this is not considered a deviation. The color of a child’s stool can be influenced by the following factors:
- the baby’s digestive system is not yet ready to produce the amount of enzymes necessary for high-quality digestion of food;
- green stools often indicate poor nutrition nursing woman;
- greenish feces often appear after the baby is introduced to complementary foods or the mother eats new foods;
- if the baby eats only front breast milk, without getting to the nutritious hind milk;
- the color of stool changes during teething;
- The composition of the formula that is given to him as complementary food is not suitable for the child.
Green stool in a breastfed baby
Babies who are breastfed have a dull yellow (mustard) or golden color bowel movements. In addition, it may be observed in infant green stool, and this is not considered a deviation. During this period of infancy loose stool turns into mushy without a pungent odor, sometimes white lumps appear in it. Dr. Komarovsky reassures parents that young children may produce feces in the first months of life different shades and this should not be a cause for concern for parents if no other suspicious symptoms are observed.
Green stool in a formula-fed newborn
Since artificial infants consume the same set of microelements contained in the mixture, it is easier to track their stool quality. The smell, color and consistency of stool in this case remain unchanged. However, due to the restructuring of the baby’s body in the first 2 months, the color and structure of feces may change: the incompletely formed digestive system sometimes cannot cope with processing incoming food. As a result, clots and mucus appear in the baby's stool.
An infant may experience green stool when switching from one mixture to another, due to individual immunity to any components. In addition, a greenish tint to the stool sometimes indicates that the product contains large quantity iron, which oxidizes during digestion and acquires the corresponding color. If such phenomena are not permanent, parents have no reason to worry.
Green stool in a mixed-fed baby
As a result of the introduction of complementary foods, the color of the baby’s stool immediately changes: it becomes brown. The sharpness of the smell and consistency of stool directly depends on the amount of solid food consumed by the baby (the more, the thicker). Sometimes pieces of food are noticeable in the stool - this fact should not be considered a deviation. If your baby has green stools, it may be due to certain types products, for example, broccoli.
What pathologies cause green stools to appear in infants?
Young children often experience dysbacteriosis (disturbance of healthy intestinal microflora). This is natural, because in the mother’s womb the baby was protected from any pathogenic bacteria, and when it was born it encountered them, having a still unprotected digestive system. A healthy microflora in a baby develops over several months, so it is easy to disturb. At the same time, green stool appears in the baby. Disturbance of intestinal microflora occurs due to:
- taking serious medications by a nursing mother, including antibiotics;
- penetration of various infections into the baby’s body (staphylococcus, etc.);
- at artificial feeding or delayed breastfeeding.
Another reason why a newborn has green stool may be a problem with the gastrointestinal tract or other organs. If you are not sure what caused your child's stool to turn greenish, it is better to consult a doctor and undergo certain tests. Since the baby is just establishing the digestive process, it is important to promptly eliminate any pathological conditions in order to avoid negative consequences in development internal organs.
Green liquid stool in a baby
Loose stools may also indicate dysbacteriosis. Sometimes the baby experiences diarrhea in the form of water: inside The diaper is not a mess, but only a stain of yellow, brown or greenish tint. This is a consequence of an infection entering the newborn’s body or indicates an allergic reaction to foods consumed by the nursing mother. If this phenomenon occurs for more than a day, there is a reason to consult a doctor, since there is a high risk of dehydration of the child’s body, which will be accompanied sharp pain.
Green foamy stool in infant
The dark color indicates an allergy or infection of the baby. green color feces having a foamy structure and heterogeneous inclusions. If these signs persist for at least 3 days and the baby’s restless behavior, immediately seek help from a specialist. If the baby's stool is accompanied by even slight bloody discharge– this is a clear deviation from the norm, which also requires prompt consultation with a doctor. Scarlet blood in the stool indicates an allergy to milk protein, and black blood indicates intestinal bleeding.
Video: intestinal infections and green stool in infants
Diagnosing health problems in children and adults are fundamentally different things. If for people who can truthfully and reliably express complaints, an interview with a doctor and taking an anamnesis are integral procedures, after which a decision will be made to prescribe certain medications and manipulations, then with children (of all ages) the situation is much more complicated.
Various tests are the only opportunity to obtain maximum information about pathological processes in the body. One of the most visual and accessible tests for diagnosing children is the study of stool, so it is not surprising that many mothers, like doctors, are interested in why their babies have green poop, whether this is a problem or not.
What is the norm?
Correct functioning digestive system a newborn baby assumes that food will be digested in full, without creating a large amount of waste. Many doctors agree that breast milk should be so well absorbed by the baby that he can poop every few days without experiencing any tummy problems.
In fact, this situation is rather an exception to the rule. Brown, yellow, light green and green poop in infants occurs with almost equal frequency, and each of these options can be interpreted as normal. For some, this may be a feature of the body, but some babies in this way make it clear that something is wrong with the gastrointestinal tract, so it is important to find out whether there is a problem with green poop appearing in the diaper. In a baby, all body systems are formed incredibly quickly, but they are still too undeveloped and sensitive to everything new.
Stability. What do we know about her?
Scientists are trying their best to create adapted milk formulas that will be as similar to breast milk as possible, but the result of their work is, albeit high-quality, but artificial nutrition. The main difference between mother's milk is that its composition is incredibly variable. Research proves that at all stages of feeding, a mother satisfies the different needs of her growing child thanks to the fact that milk contains essential vitamins, macro- and microelements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, antibodies. This composition changes daily, saturating the baby with everything necessary, giving him the opportunity to develop correctly and harmoniously.
Each such change in breast milk may cause changes in poop in infants, most often becoming a problem for children who are on breastfeeding. Many pediatricians complain about errors in the nursing diet, some argue that the mother’s diet cannot directly influence the baby’s feces, however, each specific case is special, and it is impossible to say with confidence that the baby’s tummy will not react negatively to the innovation in the nurse’s diet.
Child on IV
It's no secret that better nutrition For newborns it is mother's milk. The exception is rare genetic diseases, liver problems or protein or lactose intolerance, when the baby needs special diets. But in a number of other cases it is necessary to switch to adapted milk formulas.
Infant formula is a more stable substance than breast milk, and if a mother was able to find a composition that is ideal for her baby and does not cause allergic reactions, disorders, or changes in stool, she should not experiment with new options again.
Pediatricians say that artificially produced feces should be yellow or Brown, and green poop in infants indicates unfavorable processes in the intestines.
Why does the baby poop like that?
Before understanding the peculiarities of digestion of age, it should be said that the first feces - meconium - can also be dark green, even black, in color. This substance has pungent odor, thick and viscous to the touch and is the result of the child’s vital activity during the period when he was in the womb. Meconium may be passed for 1-3 days, gradually being replaced by the normal baby poop that mothers see in diapers. Dark green poop in a baby may be original feces, but this is if the baby is no more than a week old; in other cases, you should carefully monitor the child and his stool, noting anything new, and when the situation is in doubt, you should consult a doctor.
The feces of children on breastfeeding should be mushy, yellow color, without impurities (water, mucus, blood), with slightly sour smell. Having seen that the “fruits of the labors” of your beloved child are not the right color, it is worth remembering that poop in infants can be acquired. This means that in the air, feces oxidize, and what was originally yellow, a few minutes after bowel movement, can turn green, brown, and much more. Here are some reasons why there is green in a diaper:
- overeating - enzymes produced by the baby’s pancreas and contained in breast milk may be insufficient, and the food is not completely digested;
- lactose intolerance;
- lactase deficiency (when the child is on breastfeeding, the problem may be if the child does not reach the rear, more full fat milk, which contains more substances necessary for the normal functioning and growth of the baby);
- intestinal infection.
Myths about dysbiosis
Pediatricians often give children a scary-sounding and rather incomprehensible diagnosis of “dysbacteriosis.” After being born, the first thing a child should do is get the opportunity to populate his body with beneficial bacteria. Natural feeding and a normal, non-sterile environment allow this process to proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Western pediatricians and their domestic colleagues confidently convince mothers around the world that even if there are problems with the necessary microorganisms in the intestines, which is the reason that explains the yellow-green poop in a baby, then taking a variety of medications is more likely to reassure worried parents, how necessary measure impact. Seven to ten days is the period during which the body itself will cope with the problem with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Real problems
Any mother always has the right to seek medical advice if she is concerned about the state of her child’s health. But in what cases is it better not to postpone a visit to the doctor? If a mother notices that the child goes to the toilet irregularly, experiences discomfort, increased gas formation and the stomach is swollen, watery, copious green poop with mucus appears (in a baby this does not always indicate problems, but it’s better to be safe) - it’s worth going to the pediatrician.
All these symptoms, especially in combination with crying, elevated temperature, profuse regurgitation, lethargy, may indicate an intestinal infection that requires quick and effective treatment, which consists of measures to replenish fluid and lost microelements in the body.
Parents should also be wary if green poop is a new symptom that is not normal for the baby. If nothing bothers the child, he does not lose weight, he has good mood, normal sleep and appetite, most likely he has no health problems.
What can be done?
Self-treatment small child- this is dangerous, and any doubtful questions should be discussed with your doctor or local pediatrician, who can reliably assess the situation. A change in stool after treatment with potent drugs, including those from the antibacterial group, requires help for the baby and his intestines; for this, the microflora can be normalized using children's lactobacilli.
The slightest suspicion of an intestinal infection requires immediate medical attention; dehydration in infants occurs so quickly and suddenly that it is almost impossible to cope with it at home.
When green poop is the result of experiments with formula, porridge, complementary foods or mother's dinner, it is worth postponing innovations and giving the baby a chance to recover.
Age limits
Green poop in infants up to six months is a common reason why mothers turn to specialists. Most often, the child does not have any problems, and all these are temporary difficulties and developmental features gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. From the moment complementary feeding is introduced, the baby’s diet changes dramatically; he begins to eat not only liquid food, but the color, consistency, and smell of feces change. Very often during this period, intestinal function improves; the presence of vegetables and fruits in the diet has a beneficial effect on digestion and peristalsis.
Green feces in a baby can cause panic for most young parents. Whether this always indicates some kind of deviation and is dangerous, or whether it is possible when such a situation is a variant of the norm, we will find out today.
In any maternity hospital experienced staff will tell the young mother that immediately after the baby is born and during the first two or three days, the baby’s feces are an unnatural black color, and this is normal. This is what original feces, the so-called meconium, looks like, which was produced by the baby in the womb.
After birth, the baby begins to diligently get rid of it. By the way, this partly explains the natural decrease in the baby’s weight in the first days.
At the same time, the child begins to eat either the mother (natural feeding), or formula (artificial), or both (mixed). The baby's digestive system begins active work, the intestines are populated with new microflora, the baby diligently adapts to environmental conditions.
As a rule, on the 3-4th day, the baby's stool begins to approach a yellow tint. In this case, the possible options are light yellow, yellow-green, and mustard.
We must understand that a child is a living organism, the state of the microflora in his intestines can change, and there is no single correct option for the color and consistency of his poop.
Most doctors, when asking you what color your child's stool is, want to hear in response that it is yellow and mushy. Probably, in some medical textbooks it is written that this is exactly how it should ideally be. However, practicing pediatricians state the following.
A child who is on natural feeding, can have any stool if this does not affect his development, growth and behavior.
Simply put, if the baby is cheerful, alert, active, behaves as usual, eats with appetite, then it does not matter at all whether his poop is thick or thin, with green streaks, lumps or inclusions, yellow or green, etc.
Causes of green stool
If the color of your baby's stool is green and this is causing you (and not your baby) concern, you can try to look for the cause of this phenomenon.
If the baby has been diagnosed with physiological diarrhea, green in the baby’s stool can produce bilirubin that leaves the body. Typically, this process is completed within 2-3 weeks after birth. 
Perhaps the nursing mother is taking some medications (antibiotics, iron supplements, dietary supplements), which can affect breastfeeding and the baby’s intake of certain substances, and manifest this in the feces.
There is an opinion that the green color of the stool may indicate that the baby sucks only the mother's front (thinner) milk, which acts more as a liquid, and for some reason does not reach the nutritious hind (thicker) milk, which acts as food, and, accordingly, turns the stool yellow.
In this case, you need to pay attention to how empty the breast remains after feeding (feel it, squeeze the nipple). If there is a lot of milk left, we can assume that the baby was not so hungry, since he did not “finish” it. In this case, you can try to increase the interval between feedings so that the baby has time to work up an appetite, and see how the situation changes. You can also try to look for more so that both you and the baby are comfortable, and you don’t try to finish as quickly as possible.
If a mother prefers plant-based foods, and her diet contains a lot of, for example, broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers, greens, green beans, this may also be one of the reasons for the change in the color of the baby’s stool. Is it necessary to change the situation somehow in this case? I doubt it, if everyone is happy with everything except the color of the child’s stool.
A little humor on the topic: a well-known video on the entire Internet about the unsuccessful attempts of a young dad to change a soiled diaper:
When the baby is bottle-fed and eats adapted mixture, at first glance, his food is more stable in composition than breast milk.
However, changes are possible here too, for example, a slightly different chemical composition another batch of bottled water on which the baby’s food is prepared, switching to a different formula, changing the dosage of the dry formula during preparation (instead of 7 spoons, put 8 or 6 per serving).
In addition, there is an opinion that if the color of the stool is green on a constant basis, this may indicate that the amount of iron in this particular mixture is too high, which gives the stool that color. If there is reason to believe that the green color of the stool is from the mixture (as in the photo below), you can consult with your pediatrician and, perhaps, try to replace it. 
Although I personally doubt the advisability of such actions if in everything else (except for the color of the stool) the mixture is satisfactory. It’s another matter if, in addition to green feces, the baby behaves restlessly after feeding and cries, which gives reason to suspect that he has a tummy ache and the formula is not suitable for him.
When the baby is on mixed feeding, the cause of green stool can be either in mother’s milk or in formula. In this case, before deciding on any experiments, it is better to take a closer look at general well-being baby and evaluate his behavior.
When to really worry
The most undesirable thing that can be indicated by green feces in a baby is an intestinal infection. But in this case, the color of the stool will definitely not be the only symptom. If there is an illness, the baby will feel really bad, and an attentive mother will easily see signs of infection. 
Signs of intestinal infection:
- Liquid frequent (up to 18-20 times a day) gray-green or dark green(possibly with mucus, foam) with a putrid, pungent unpleasant odor.
- Vomit.
- Increased body temperature, chills.
- Pale skin, perspiration.
- Headache, rash.
- Refusal to eat, moodiness, frequent crying.
It is worth noting that the most dangerous thing in any intestinal infection is dehydration. Why? Because with diarrhea and vomiting, the baby loses enormous amounts of fluid and salts.
If parents know what to do and know how to make up for these losses (it turns out to give the baby enough to drink, ideally with special solutions for oral rehydration), then in more than 90% of cases, complete recovery can be ensured independently at home. 
However, the situation is dangerous and you urgently need a doctor if:
- There is blood in the vomit or stool.
- You can't get your child drunk.
- There are signs of dehydration.
The easiest way to control whether the baby has enough fluid in the body is the frequency, color and smell of urination. If there is no fluid deficiency, then urination once every 1-2 hours or more often, urine light color and practically odorless. All this is convenient to track disposable diaper- how often does it get wet?
If the baby does not pee for 6 hours or more, this is dangerous situation, which clearly indicates that there is a risk of dehydration, which means you couldn’t get something to drink at home, and you urgently need to see a doctor to replenish the fluid deficiency with IVs in the hospital.
The famous pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky talks about baby stool and intestinal infections in a very accessible, understandable and detailed video.
Thus, green feces There is absolutely no reason for concern in a baby if this is the only symptom and if there are no other signs of an intestinal infection.
Be healthy, take care of yourself and your kids, share the article on VK by clicking the button below and save the blog to your bookmarks, there is a lot of useful and interesting things ahead. Lena Zhabinskaya talked to you, see you on the blog!
Parents are always wary if dark green stool appears in their baby. But not in every case, such a color of stool is pathological. There are many reasons that lead to changes in the functioning of a child’s digestive system. To understand and recognize them, you should more carefully observe the behavior and condition of the newborn.
- In the first few days after birth (up to approximately one month of age), original feces (meconium) are passed. It can be thick, with mucus, and have a greenish tint.
- After the child gets used to life outside the mother’s body, the digestive organs begin to form feces differently. In children of one month of age, its consistency becomes mushy, the color approaches a greenish-yellow hue.
- Over time, the color of stool becomes yellow. There are differences in feces between breastfed and formula-fed children. Breast milk is more easily absorbed by the body and processed faster. The color of stool is light brown or yellowish.
The frequency of stool during breastfeeding can be from one to several times a day. Even if stool does not pass within a few days, there is no need to worry too much. But this is only if the child is cheerful, active and nothing bothers him.
The absence of feces for up to four days indicates good processing of breast milk by the intestines.
With the introduction of complementary foods, stool becomes rare - up to once every two days. Color and consistency will depend on the staple food. For example, foods such as broccoli and pear give stool a green color.
What determines the change in stool color?
Green stool in an infant may indicate illness, but not always.
The reasons for the color change may be as follows.
- In a newborn, bilirubin may be excreted in the stool, which gives it a green color.
- The child's body is influenced by the mother's hormones.
- The newborn’s digestive system is not fully formed, which sometimes results in a lack of enzymes for breaking down food. In this case, the stool may contain mucus.
- If you do not change the diaper on time, the feces can oxidize under the influence of oxygen and acquire shades of green.
- When breastfeeding, the mother's nutrition plays a role. Perhaps she ate foods that could affect the color of stool - pear, cabbage, cucumber, zucchini.
- Taking medications containing iron.
- There is not enough breast milk, resulting in the baby not receiving enough enzymes that help break down milk sugars and fats.
- Lack of lactose in milk.
If there are streaks of blood in your child's stool, you should seek help from a specialist. In addition, there may be liquid stool with mucus and a strong odor. In this case, the reasons are much more serious.
How to recognize the disease
- Green stool with mucus may appear. The main reasons are dysbacteriosis and colds.
- Green chair with foam, which may occur due to a lack of enzymes and poor nutrition. Rarely, the main cause of such stool is staphylococcus, medication, allergic manifestations and intestinal infection.
- Dark green stool is a consequence of changes in the fat content of breast milk. The newborn’s body reacts very sensitively to all changes in nutrition. Sometimes this may be due to the fact that the baby is receiving milk from the anterior chamber of the breast. It contains only lactose and serves as a drink for the child. The food is milk from the posterior chamber - it is rich in fats.
In addition to changes in the color and consistency of stool, the condition of the newborn worsens:
Prevention of violations
The main rule is to carefully monitor the condition of the newborn.
Treatment of bowel dysfunction
Before consulting a doctor, the woman herself should take action. It is important to determine why changes occurred in the baby's stool.
At the same time, breastfeeding should not be stopped, since milk contains antibodies that can help develop immunity. You cannot treat it yourself with medications.
Before prescribing treatment, your doctor may suggest additional methods child research. And only he can accurately indicate the diagnosis and answer the question of why the color of the stool has changed.
There is an option for the mother to take the medication only. Penetrating through breastfeeding into the baby's body, they cause less side effect and get rid of the problem.
If the situation is related to infections, then antibiotics are given to the child himself. The dosage and duration of taking these medications is determined only by a doctor. In this case, they can stop loose stools and return them to normal color.
Treatment should begin with the cause and only then eliminate the symptoms. Collaboration with specialists (allergist, gastroenterologist, pediatrician) will allow you to quickly determine the nature of green stool. By following all the recommendations, you can quickly and without consequences get rid of the problem.
The appearance of green stool in a breastfed baby often causes panic among young parents. But you should not immediately give your baby medicine and run to the doctor, if the baby is calm, perhaps the change in the color and consistency of stool is due to physiological reasons. If you suspect serious pathologies You should not delay the examination to avoid complications. What reasons can cause stool to turn green, how to distinguish normal changes in digestion from diseases, and what parents should do will be discussed below.
Normal stool for a child up to one year old, depending on age
The type of stool depends on the age and nutrition of the baby
The color and consistency of stool in infants depends on age, nutrition, and the introduction of complementary foods. In the first weeks of life, greenish feces during breastfeeding are normal, the intestines are cleared of meconium, and the stools are thick and contain mucus.
At the age of 1-2 months, the green stool of a breastfed baby is replaced by yellow-green or yellow, since the intestines are already accustomed to the diet, and the digestive organs begin to function correctly. Mother's milk It is better digested by the body than a mixture, so green feces are observed more often in artificial people.
At 4 months and beyond, when the period of first feeding begins, the stool becomes light green until the intestines adapt to the new foods. The frequency of stool ranges from one to 4-5 times a day, and after the introduction of complementary foods, the baby can go to the toilet once every 1-2 days, and this is considered the norm. The consistency and shade of stool depends on the food - broccoli, asparagus and pear can turn it greenish.
What determines the change in stool color?
Green stool in a breastfed or mixed-fed baby sometimes indicates health problems, but more often its appearance is provoked by the following reasons:
- Bilirubin is released along with feces;
- influence hormonal levels mothers on the child's body;
- a small amount of enzymes necessary for the breakdown of food due to the failure of the digestive system;
- untimely replacement of diapers - in this case, feces oxidize upon contact with air and become green;
- poor maternal nutrition - use of antibiotics, iron supplements, foods that are undesirable to eat in the first six months of the baby’s life;
- lack of milk in a woman and lack of lactose in it.
Before sounding the alarm, parents of a breastfed baby should make sure that the problem is not caused by one of the listed factors.
Can a baby have green stool?
Greenish stools should not frighten parents if they are observed in a child aged 7-10 days - at this time meconium is still leaving the intestines, which gives the stool a green tint. As the baby's body adapts to the new feeding, the consistency of the stool will become mushy and it will acquire yellow tint without mucus content.
Another thing is when green stool is observed in a breastfed child at 2 months. The cause may be the factors described above of a physiological nature. These are errors in the diet, untimely replacement of diapers, taking iron supplements by the mother or child.
Causes of green stool in infants?
Greenish stool in a breastfed baby is caused by dysbacteriosis, lactase deficiency, the introduction of new products and other reasons. A condition accompanied by abdominal pain, fever and poor appetite, requires observation and medical assistance. Often the usual yellowish stool in a breastfed baby is replaced by yellow-green when viral infections, allergies and colds, as well as errors in the mother’s nutrition.
The introduction of complementary foods can affect the baby's stool
Influence of mother's nutrition
If one month old baby, who is breastfed, has green stools, which is due to the malnutrition of the nursing mother. The development of diarrhea and a change in the color of stool from yellow to green in infants is facilitated by the consumption of the following foods:
- green fruits and vegetables - apples, pears, zucchini, cucumbers, cabbage;
- products with chemical additives, dyes and flavors - the baby’s intestines are not yet ready to digest such substances, which is why the stool may turn green;
- protein cow's milk– with a lack of lactase and a tendency to allergies, drinking fresh cow’s milk provokes problems with stool, bloating and the appearance of green feces in infants;
- exotic fruits - frequent consumption of oranges, mangoes and other fruits that are unusual for the baby’s intestines contributes to disruption of its functioning and diluting the stool.
Violating the diet of a nursing mother leads to problems with stool in the baby, so in the first six months of a child’s life it is better to abstain from provoking foods until his intestines get used to digesting “adult” food.
The reasons for the development of dysbiosis can be different
Dysbacteriosis is not considered a separate disease, since it manifests itself as a combination of signs of some pathology. In this condition, the balance between beneficial and pathogenic intestinal flora is disrupted, resulting in the following symptoms:
- change in color of stool, often green;
- the occurrence of constipation or diarrhea;
- unusual stool consistency;
- the appearance of feces with mucus in infants.
Dysbacteriosis can develop with late breastfeeding, mixed and artificial feeding, and the mother and baby taking antibacterial drugs. The intestine of a baby is sensitive, because after birth it is sterile, and colonization by microflora occurs in the first months of life. Under the influence of negative factors, dysbiosis develops, intestinal motor function, the production of vitamins and amino acids are disrupted, and immunity decreases. The disease manifests itself as bloating, green stools, pain and increased gas production.
Green chair with foam
Liquid green stool in a breastfed baby is caused by errors in the mother's nutrition and insufficient production of enzymes. A change in the color of the stool from yellow to green and a small amount of foam is observed when introducing complementary foods, when taking Plantex (an anti-bloating drug based on fennel fruit) or after sucking a pacifier.
If the stool becomes foamy or has a greenish tint, it sometimes indicates a staph infection, food allergy, or poisoning. An accurate diagnosis is made by a doctor, self-treatment if the listed conditions are suspected, it is unacceptable.
Lactase deficiency
Lactase deficiency affects stool color
Green stool in a breastfed baby can be caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of milk sugar (lactose). The substance is found in breast milk and infant formula, which is fed to the baby, and the lack of lactase synthesis manifests itself for genetic reasons or is acquired during life.
Signs of lactase deficiency - sour-smelling stool, redness and irritation skin around the baby's anus. Similar signs are also caused by a secondary type of pathology, when the baby suffers an intestinal infection, and as a result of the inflammatory process, the synthesis of enzymes is disrupted. Lactase production is restored after infections within 2-3 months.
When green stool is a sign of illness
If a breastfed baby has frequent green stools, parents should monitor his condition. The appearance of green stool indicates the development of the disease if there are accompanying signs:
- green, foamy stool mixed with water;
- frequency of bowel movements 12-15 times during the day;
- there are streaks of blood and mucus in the stool, and the smell of the stool is sour;
- traces of redness and irritation are visible around the opening of the rectum;
- The baby eats and sleeps poorly, does not gain enough weight or loses it.
Constant bloating, pain and crying of the baby, especially if the signs are accompanied by an increase in temperature, indicate the development of pathology.
In what cases should you sound the alarm?
An increase in temperature is a cause for concern
If the baby only notices green feces, but is not observed alarming symptoms, then it is too early to draw conclusions about the pathological condition and diseases. If the baby does not refuse feeding, sleeps normally, is calm and is gaining weight well, it is too early to worry. You need to sound the alarm for the following manifestations:
- constant crying, agitation of the baby or, conversely, lethargy and drowsiness;
- refusal to breastfeed;
- regurgitation after feeding, when it seems that the vomit contains more food than the child has eaten;
- sleep disorders;
- temperature increase to 38-40 o C;
- a large amount of mucus and bloody streaks in the stool.
If the dark green stool that appears in a baby during breastfeeding smells rotten, the baby’s legs are shaking, a rash appears on the body, and the temperature has risen, you should not hesitate to call a doctor. Symptoms indicate an acute intestinal infection. Sharp abdominal pain is caused by intestinal obstruction, which requires surgical intervention. In such situations, the child’s life is at risk, an ambulance must be urgently called.
What to do if your baby has green stools
When a baby has green stools while breastfeeding, it is necessary to exclude pathologies ( intestinal infections, obstruction, allergies, viral and bacterial diseases). Seeing a doctor for preventative measures won’t hurt, even if the baby is calm, gaining weight and sleeping well. The main measures are taking laboratory tests, improving bowel function, the mother's diet and proper breastfeeding.
Baby stool tests
Before prescribing medications to eliminate green stool, a study is carried out, including the following laboratory tests:
- coprogram is the main method for diagnosing intestinal diseases. The study reveals the composition of feces and the amount of mucous inclusions, red blood cell residues, and undigested food;
- occult blood test - used in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases, and it is possible to detect not only green matter in the stool, but also bloody inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye;
- tests for dysbiosis and intestinal infections;
- tests for the detection of helminths.
If necessary, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is performed, blood and urine are taken for examination. If a lack of lactase is suspected, tests are carried out to determine the content of carbohydrates in the stool, hydrogen in the air that the baby exhales, and the absorption of D-xylose is assessed.
Special tests will help identify the causes of the problem
Treatment of bowel dysfunction
Before contacting a doctor, a nursing mother should understand why pathological changes in the baby's stool. It is necessary to monitor the baby’s condition without giving up breastfeeding, since breast milk contains components that promote the production of immune cells.
Methods for treating intestines at home:
- abolition of all medications, even vitamin complexes;
- exclusion from the diet of a nursing mother of foods that can cause allergies or the appearance of loose green stools;
- feeding on demand for;
- temporarily stop complementary feeding if green stool appears immediately after introducing new foods while breastfeeding;
- Give the baby sorbents and preparations containing a complex of living bacteria, prescribed by the doctor.
Important! Give to a child medications you can't do it on your own. First you need to try to eliminate the provoking factors to improve bowel function, and if this does not help, start medication therapy after examination by a doctor.
How to improve stool in a baby if it is not a disease
If the baby behaves calmly, there are no warning signs in the form of fever, anxiety, pain in the abdomen, you can try to adjust the stool yourself. Most often, the cause of green stool in infants is hidden in an imbalance of milk due to improper breastfeeding.
Foremilk contains a lot of water, and hind milk consists of fatty, nutrients. If during feeding the mother takes the breast from the baby prematurely or changes the glands more often than once every 2 hours, then the baby does not receive enough hind milk. Anterior chamber milk provokes signs of lactase deficiency and foamy green stools. You need to contact a breastfeeding specialist to improve the process.
The appointment should be cancelled. medicines, especially iron, and monitor the condition of the stool. If it turns yellow, it means that the green color was given to it by iron-containing medications. The mother's diet should be adjusted - green bowel movements in the baby can be caused by eating zucchini, cucumbers, pears, cabbage; they should be excluded from the menu for a while. For babies on artificial or mixed feeding, the formula is changed to another, and they also take a break from introducing complementary foods, observing the reaction of the child’s body.
Prevention of green stool
To prevent green bowel movements from occurring in your baby during breastfeeding, you must follow the following rules:
- do not introduce complementary foods ahead of time;
- follow the mother’s diet until 5-6 months;
- refuse medications if they turn the stool green and this worries parents;
- breastfeed on demand and give the baby the opportunity to reach hind milk;
- change diapers on time;
- Sterilize your baby's dishes to prevent intestinal infections.
If there are alarming changes in the baby's condition, color or consistency of stool, you should consult an experienced specialist.
Green stool from a breastfed baby is not always a reason to panic and urgently call a doctor. To prevent the development of the disease, when greenish feces appear, you need to observe the baby for several days and eliminate all factors that provoke such changes. If the stool has not improved after all measures taken, you need to consult a doctor to find the cause of the problem and options for solving it.