Why is my baby passing green stool, and what should I do about it?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, the main causes of green stool in infants include improper feeding practices, cold abdomen, lactose intolerance, bacterial enteritis, and intussusception. Parents can choose appropriate interventions based on the specific situation, such as adjusting feeding methods, improving daily care, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, it is important to ensure proper feeding, avoiding both underfeeding and overfeeding, and to keep the baby's abdomen warm.
Generally, the main causes of green stool in infants include improper feeding methods, cold abdomen, lactose intolerance, bacterial enteritis, and intussusception. Parents can choose appropriate interventions based on the specific situation, such as adjusting feeding practices, improving daily care, medication, or surgical treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Feeding Methods
Insufficient breastfeeding or formula intake may accelerate intestinal motility in infants, causing bile to be excreted before being fully broken down, resulting in green stools. Increase feeding frequency promptly, ensure adequate milk intake, feed on demand, and avoid keeping the infant in a state of hunger.
2. Cold Abdomen
Inadequate abdominal warmth allows cold to stimulate the intestines, impairing digestive function and leading to abnormal bile metabolism and green stools. Apply a warm towel compress to the infant's abdomen, dress them in belly bands or loose clothing to keep the abdomen covered, and avoid direct exposure to air conditioning or fans.
3. Lactose Intolerance
Infants lacking lactase in the intestines cannot fully break down lactose in milk, leading to fermentation that produces gas and acidic substances, resulting in green stools accompanied by bloating. Under medical guidance, lactase drops, *Bifidobacterium triple viable powder*, or *Bacillus subtilis live bacterial granules* may be used; in severe cases, switch to a lactose-free formula.
4. Bacterial Enteritis
Bacterial infection causes intestinal inflammation, damages the intestinal mucosa, and impairs digestion and absorption, leading to green stools with mucus or blood streaks. Under medical supervision, medications such as cefixime granules, smectite powder, or gentamicin sulfate pediatric granules may be administered. It is also important to replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
5. Intussusception
A segment of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, obstructing the passage of intestinal contents and causing abnormal peristalsis, which may result in green or jelly-like stools. Immediate medical attention is required. Air enema reduction should be performed; if unsuccessful, surgical intervention (intussusception reduction) is necessary. Postoperatively, closely monitor the infant’s bowel movements.
In daily life, ensure proper feeding to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding; maintain good abdominal warmth and adjust clothing according to temperature changes; strictly follow instructions when preparing formula to avoid incorrect concentration; maintain cleanliness and sterilization of feeding equipment to prevent bacterial growth; and observe the infant’s bowel habits, seeking medical advice promptly if abnormalities occur.
