Understanding Dark Green Baby Poop: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Are you noticing different colors in your baby’s poop, especially dark green baby poop? Do you wonder what they mean? As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your baby’s health, and stool color can be an important indicator. There are nine (9) common baby poop colors, each with a different meaning. Let’s break them down.

1. Black Poop

Newborns typically have black, tar-like stool known as meconium, which contains mucus, skin cells, and amniotic fluid. However, if your baby is over a week old and still passing black poop, consult a doctor immediately, as it may indicate internal bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

2. Mustard Yellow Poop

Mustard yellow poop is common in breastfed babies and usually appears after meconium has passed. This colour is normal and indicates healthy digestion.

3. Bright Yellow Poop

Bright yellow poop can be seen in both breastfed and formula-fed babies. However, if it becomes more frequent and extremely runny, it could signal diarrhea, which requires attention to prevent dehydration.

4. Orange Poop

Orange poop is also normal and common in both breastfed and formula-fed babies. It is usually caused by the way bile pigments are processed in the baby’s digestive system.

5. Greenish-Tan Poop 

This colour is typical in formula-fed babies. It can also occur in breastfed babies when they consume more foremilk (watery milk) than hindmilk (fat-rich milk).

6. Dark Green Poop

Dark green poop can result from starting solid foods like spinach and peas. It may also be caused by iron supplements or certain medications. If green poop is accompanied by diarrhea, it might indicate a bacterial infection, so consult a pediatrician.

7. Red Poop

Red poop could be due to consuming red-coloured foods like beets or tomato juice. However, if your baby hasn’t eaten red foods, it may indicate blood in the stool from a milk allergy, an anal fissure, or lower intestinal bleeding. If the red colour persists, consult a pediatrician immediately.

8. White Poop

White or pale stools could signal liver issues, as it may indicate a lack of bile. This is a serious concern, and parents should seek immediate medical attention.

9. Gray or Chalky Poop

Gray or chalky stool may mean that the baby isn’t digesting food properly. Sometimes, this is due to an unsuitable formula brand, but it could also indicate digestive problems. If this continues, consult a pediatrician.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

While baby poop colour varies based on diet and digestion, some colours—like black (after the first week), red, white, or gray—could signal underlying health concerns. If you’re unsure, consult our pharmacist in Mama & Babies Telegram

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