Why is my baby's stool green?

There are several possible reasons why a baby may have green stools, which could be caused by the following factors:

1. Food pigments: If the baby is starting on complementary foods, certain foods such as green vegetables or fruits that contain abundant natural pigments may cause the stool to appear green.

2. Digestive speed: When food passes through the intestines rapidly, bile doesn't have sufficient time to be broken down by intestinal bacteria, and the stool may appear green.

3. Cold abdomen: Green stools may occur when a baby's abdomen is exposed to cold temperatures.

4. Hunger: If the baby does not consume enough food, gastrointestinal motility may increase, causing bilirubin in the intestines to be excreted before it can be converted, resulting in green and loose stools.

5. Iron supplementation: If the baby is taking iron-containing supplements or formula, unabsorbed iron may also cause the stool to turn green.

6. Allergies and infections: Allergies to specific foods or ingredients in formula milk may lead to changes in stool color. Although rare, some gastrointestinal infections can also cause green stools, often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and fever.