What is the color of the baby's stool?

The color of a baby's stool is directly related to his health condition, but what should be the normal color of a baby's stool? On the website of Dr. Ali Faraji, Pediatrician, due to many questions from our clients, we are going to investigate the different colors of newborn feces and their relationship with health, so stay with us until the end of the article. Factors affecting the color of baby feces In general, the age of the baby, the type of feeding (breast milk or formula) and the health status of the baby have a direct effect on the color of the stool. The color of the feces of newborn babies is black, but day by day its color is closer to brown or yellow. Note that if the color of your baby's stool is red or white, it is considered a danger sign and you should see a pediatrician immediately. ### Different colors of feces in babies A baby's stool is one of the things that mothers should pay attention to, because its color and texture may be a warning that the baby has a disease. There are many indicators for the color of an infant's stool, and below we point out the most important and obvious signs and indicators of the color of an infant's stool: - Black stools - Yellow stools - Orange or brown stools - Green stool - Red stools - White stools The types of baby stool and its color are not a dangerous sign, but sometimes it can be considered a warning sign. In the following, we will examine the reasons for the color change and signs of stool color in babies. What is the sign of black baby stool? Black stool color is normal in babies less than a week old. The stool of a newborn baby is greasy, sticky and odorless, which changes to a natural yellow or brown color after a few days. If the color of the baby's stool does not change from black to brown or yellow after a week, there is a possibility that the baby's digestive system has suffered bleeding. What is the sign of baby's yellow stool? The stool color of breastfed babies is yellow in nature. If your baby is breastfed and the color of the baby's stool is light yellow or mustard, scabby and loose, it is usually nothing to worry about. Orange or brown baby stools The natural stool color of formula-fed babies is brown or orange. Basically, the stools of these babies are darker and harder than the stools of breastfed babies. In children older than 6 months who are given complementary foods, the orange color of the stool is related to their nutrition. In general, beta-carotene foods such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes can cause the baby's stool to turn orange. What is the sign of baby's green stool? Dark green stool is usually not a dangerous sign, as it may be a natural step in changing stool color from meconium (baby poop) to normal brown stool. Sometimes, children's stools may turn green when they eat green food or as a result of taking iron supplements, and there is nothing to worry about. Bright green baby stools also occur when the baby is not getting enough breast milk, so you should always make sure your baby is drinking enough milk. In general, the causes of green stools in babies are: - Excessive consumption or lack of drinking breast milk - The presence of green foods in the mother's diet, such as vegetables - Cold - Allergy to a certain type of food - The presence of antibiotics in the body of the baby or the mother If your baby has a normal weight and does not feel any discomfort, green stool color is normal. Red baby stool Red baby stool or bloody stool is a danger sign that often indicates bleeding in the baby's body. If you see red color or blood in your baby's stool, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The causes of red stool in babies include: - Allergy to milk protein (lactose) - Ulcer or anal fissure due to infant constipation - Swallowing blood from a mother's nipple wound while drinking milk What is the sign of white baby stool? The white color of a baby's stool is a sign of danger, just like the red color. This color of stool indicates liver problems in the baby. If jaundice is suspected in the first two weeks of a baby's life, the color of his stool should be checked. White stools and yellow urine are signs of liver disease. For this reason, as soon as you see white stool in a baby, especially in a newborn baby, see a doctor immediately. The natural color of baby stool Basically, green, yellow, orange or brown stool color is one of the natural colors of baby stool. Or if the baby's stool is a little hard or thin, there is nothing to worry about. But the stool should not be too hard or thin. Note that the color of babies' stools will change when complementary foods are started. Other characteristics of newborn feces - Basically, babies' stools are very soft before they start eating. - The stools of formula-fed babies are harder than those of breast-fed babies. - In principle, mucus is also observed in the feces of babies, and if the baby does not feel discomfort next to the mucus, this is normal. - Dry and hard feces of the baby is due to dehydration of the baby or the possibility of a certain disease in the baby. - The amount of excretion of children is different from each other, so do not worry if the amount of excretion of your newborn is more than other babies. Of course, after 6 weeks, the number of their excretions should decrease. ### When should we see a doctor? According to the age of the baby, the color of his feces also varies, abnormal colors such as green are definitely not a sign of illness, but it is better to see a doctor if you see them. If the color of your baby's stool is white, red, or black, be sure to see a doctor. Also, the presence of slimy substances in the baby's stool can indicate a disease. Therefore, if you see these symptoms, see a pediatrician. **last word** The color of the baby's stool is directly related to the baby's physical condition. Stools that are soft or brown in color, tending to yellow, indicate the health of the baby. Red and white colors of baby feces are a sign of danger. The black color of the baby's stool after a week can be a sign of danger. In the end, it is recommended to see a pediatrician as soon as the color of the baby's stool changes to the warning type.