Dark green baby poop: this could be the reason

If you unsuspectingly unfold your baby's diaper and find green stools there, you may be shocked. Still, green poop is usually not a cause for concern. From almost black to light colored, green stools are common in babies.

What your baby's stools look like depends, among other things, on the diet. For example, when you breastfeed, stools look different than when you bottle-feed. In general, does your baby eat and drink well and does he have no other complaints, such as flatulence or colic? Then there is probably nothing wrong. Still, it is good to keep an eye on your baby's stools. That full diaper tells you more about the health and development of your baby. For example, a diaper with green stools can mean several things.

Causes of green stools

Green stools due to slow digestion

If stool is in the digestive system for a longer period of time, it comes into contact with more bile. This affects the color of the stool. If the milk passes quickly through your baby's digestive system, the poop will turn yellow. If this process takes longer, the poop will turn green or brown. You don't have to worry about this.

Iron in food

Your baby's stools can also turn green due to added iron in formula. In addition, iron supplements can also cause your baby's dark green stools. This is a normal reaction that you should not worry about.

Green vegetables

What goes in, comes out again. Your baby's digestive tract is not yet fully developed. As a result, your child does not yet digest food as well as an adult. It is therefore not surprising that your child's stool turns green after eating green vegetables.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best food for your baby! Are you breastfeeding and does your baby have foamy, light green stools? Then your baby will probably only receive foremilk. This foremilk is good for quenching thirst, but contains little fat. As a result, the milk stays longer in the stomach and the intestines have to process a lot of milk in a short time. This can lead to gas, colic and a frothy, green stool. By feeding mainly from one breast per feeding, your baby will get the fatty hindmilk.

It is normal for stool consistency, color and frequency to change as your baby develops. Are you worried about your baby's stools? Please do not hesitate to contact your GP, that is what they are there for.

Would you like to read more information about your baby's stools? Then read our blogs:

Orange baby poop

Black baby poop

Kabrita goat milk bottle feeding

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