RATIKORN PRUGMAHACHAIKUL, M.D.
PEDIATRICS
An infant’s stool color can vary depending on diet, digestion, and overall health. Parents may notice that one day the stool is golden yellow, while the next, it could be green or darker. Sometimes, these changes are normal, but in other cases, they may indicate a health issue or infection. So, which stool colors should raise concern? Let’s explore the answers—because the earlier you know, the sooner you can seek medical attention for your child.
Normally, the color of an infant’s stool changes according to their diet. For example, if the baby consumes a large amount of milk, the stool tends to be yellow, soft, and mushy. However, if the baby is fed pureed vegetables or fruits, the stool may appear green or brown and be more solid. Unusual stool colors can be categorized into three main types:
Black or tarry stool, sometimes referred to as “meconium,” is thick and sticky. If it occurs within the first three days after birth, it is considered normal and not harmful. This is because the stool consists of materials the infant digested while in the womb—such as skin cells, mucus, and amniotic fluid. However, if black stool persists beyond this period, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting with blood, lethargy, bloating, abdominal pain, poor appetite, or pale skin, it may be a warning sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.
White stool is a red flag indicating abnormalities in the liver or bile duct system. These two organs play a key role in excreting bile—a yellow chemical that mixes with waste to form the typical yellow stool. Therefore, if a baby’s stool is white, it may signal a dysfunction in the liver or bile ducts and warrants medical evaluation.
Red-colored stool can result from several causes, including intestinal infections, anal fissures, or other conditions affecting the colon. If an infant passes red stool or stool mixed with blood, it is important to seek immediate medical attention for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Infants may be constipated if their stool is hard and shaped like small pellets. This condition is more commonly observed in formula-fed infants, particularly if the formula is improperly mixed or if a formula inappropriate for the baby’s age—such as one intended for older children—is used.
Watery or loose stools may indicate an infection and could lead to dehydration if left untreated. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications.
It is normal for infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first month to pass soft stools with a small amount of mucus. However, if mucus is present along with blood, it may indicate a gastrointestinal infection or a cow’s milk protein allergy. If this occurs in conjunction with other abnormal stool characteristics, a medical consultation is advised.
PEDIATRICS
