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What causes green baby poop?

Sep 09, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Stool refers to feces. Green stool in infants may be related to breastfeeding, formula changes, cold exposure, indigestion, or lactose intolerance. Parents should closely monitor the baby's mental state, appetite, sleep, and other conditions to ensure the baby's overall well-being. Gently massaging the baby's abdomen in a clockwise direction may help promote intestinal motility.

Generally speaking, "bowel movement" refers to stool. Green stool in infants may be related to breastfeeding, formula changes, cold exposure, indigestion, or lactose intolerance. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains a relatively high amount of fat, and infants digest breast milk quickly, which may cause the stool to appear greenish. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that does not require special treatment. Continue breastfeeding as usual.

2. Formula Change

Different formulas have varying ingredient compositions. Changes in iron or lactose content in the infant's formula may lead to green-colored stools. If the infant shows no other abnormalities, specific intervention is usually unnecessary.

3. Cold Exposure

If an infant's abdomen becomes chilled, gastrointestinal motility may increase. As a result, biliverdin in the stool does not have enough time to convert into bilirubin in the colon, leading to green stool. Parents should ensure the infant's abdomen stays warm by dressing the baby appropriately to prevent cold exposure.

4. Indigestion

An infant's digestive system is not yet fully mature, making it prone to incomplete digestion of food before excretion, which can result in green stool. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, burping, and poor appetite. Parents should adjust the infant’s diet by reducing intake of hard-to-digest foods, such as excessive vegetable or fruit purees.

5. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance in infants may be caused by genetic factors or insufficient lactase enzyme activity. When infants cannot tolerate lactose in breast milk or formula, the lactose may not be fully broken down or absorbed in the intestines, resulting in green stool. Symptoms may include diarrhea, bloating, and increased bowel sounds. Using low-lactose or lactose-free specialized formulas can help reduce lactose intake.

Parents should closely monitor the baby's mental state, appetite, sleep, and overall well-being to ensure the infant remains healthy. Gently massaging the baby's abdomen in a clockwise direction may also help promote intestinal motility.

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