Published
Jul 11, 2024
in
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal Issues
Published
July 11, 2024
7/11/24
in
Gastrointestinal Issues

Understanding green poop and mucus in your baby's stool

Marcy Borieux, MD, FAAP, a Summer Health pediatrician, offers insight into your baby’s green bowel movements.
Dahlia Rimmon, RDN
Written by
Dahlia Rimmon, RDN
Content Writer
Dr. Marcy Borieux
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Marcy Borieux
Pediatrician

Why do babies have green poop?

It may come as a surprise, but green-colored stools are perfectly normal. You’re more likely to see green stools in formula-fed babies but also occasionally in breastfed infants. Older babies who have started eating solid foods may also have green poop because of the foods they eat, like broccoli or spinach.

Dark green poop

During the newborn stage, babies have very dark green, almost black stools called meconium. Meconium is composed of substances that build up in your baby's intestines during their time in the womb. This first stool is dark green, sticky, and tar-like and may last for the first few days of their life. Whether you're breastfeeding or using formula, your baby will pass meconium during the first few days post-birth. After a few days, your baby will have transitional stools, and the color will be influenced by their feedings.

Iron supplements can also turn your baby’s stool dark green. If your baby is exclusively breastfed and taking supplemental iron drops, you may notice their poop turning dark green, which is perfectly normal.

Understanding foamy poop

Breastfed babies may have frothy or foamy stools, and this is usually a sign that your baby is drinking more foremilk (the initial thinner and watery part of the breast milk) than hindmilk (the later, higher-fat portion of breastmilk).To help your baby get a balance of foremilk and hindmilk, ensure they finish feeding for long enough on one breast before switching to the other. If you don't see a change in stool color after a few days, reach out to your local or Summer Health lactation expert for individualized guidance and support.

If your baby has watery and foamy poop, it could be a sign of diarrhea, possibly due to a stomach bug.

Poop with mucus

Mucus-streaked stools accompanied by loose stools can occur during illness, specifically a stomach bug. Stools with mucus are usually foul-smelling and sometimes can be bright green in color. Mucus-streaked poop can also be present in certain food intolerances, particularly milk intolerances.

If your baby has jelly-like mucus in their stool along with intermittent and severe abdominal pain, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you notice jelly-like mucus in your baby’s diaper, contact your pediatrician and seek immediate medical care.

Slimy stool

Babies can also have slimy stools, which can occur when they have colds or are teething. This happens because phlegm or excess saliva is swallowed and then comes out in the stool.

If you don't see a change in stool color or still have questions after a few days, contact your local or Summer Health lactation consultant for individualized guidance and support.

References

AAP: The Many Colors of Baby Poop

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