What causes changes in the appearance of stool?
Breastfed babies usually produce a seedy mustard-yellow coloured stool. They may also produce green, runny stool. This is normal. It should not be a concern.
Most changes in a child's stool (poop) are due to a change in diet. Changes in diet may cause changes in:
- colour
- smell
- consistency
- amount of stool
Many medicines can affect what stool looks like. If your baby or child is taking medication, ask your pharmacist if you should expect a change in stool. Some changes that last more than a few days may require medical attention.
Types of abnormal-looking stool
Brightly coloured stool
In older babies and children, green, runny stool can be a sign of gastroenteritis. This is also called "stomach flu". Your child may need to see a doctor.
Pale stool
Whitish, clay or light-coloured stool may be a sign of a bile duct blockage in the liver.
If your child has pale stool with yellowish skin and eyes, or dark urine, they may have liver disease, such as gallstones or a liver infection (viral hepatitis). Babies with pale stool may have a blockage in the liver called biliary atresia. Contact Newborn Screening Ontario (or your primary care provider if you are not in Ontario) if your baby has pale-coloured stools for advice on next steps to investigate this.
Fatty stools
Floating and foul-smelling stools can be a sign of malabsorption. Malabsorption is when the digestive system does not absorb nutrients adequately. It may occur if your child has intolerance to, a digestive problem with or an allergy to a certain food.
Bloody stool
Small amounts of fresh blood are common in children who are constipated and straining when passing stool.
Bloody or slimy stool may be a sign of infection. It may also mean inflammation of the large intestine or rectum. Children with bloody stool may have an infection or inflammatory bowel disease.
If your baby or child's stool has a red, jelly-like appearance, see a doctor right away. Make sure to tell your doctor if your child also has severe stomach pain and a pale complexion. This type of stool may be caused by intestinal obstruction.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your child's doctor if:
- your child seems sick and the stool does not return to its normal colour in a few days
- your child has blood in the stool and constipation is not the reason
- your infant (older than 3 months) or child continues to have pale stool
- your baby has green, runny stool and seems sick with other symptoms
- your child's stool is an abnormal colour after taking medication
See a doctor right away, or go to the nearest Emergency Department, if:
- your baby or child has red and jelly-like stool. Do not give your child anything to eat or drink until they are seen by a doctor
- your infant (older than 3 months) or child has pale stool and yellowish skin or yellowish whites of the eyes
- your child has dark urine (brown or black in colour)
Contact Newborn Screening Ontario (or your primary care provider if you are not in Ontario) if your newborn baby (less than 3 months old) has pale stool with/without yellowish skin or yellowish whites of the eyes.
Babies older than 3 months and children with pale stool with/without yellowish skin or whites of the eyes should be seen by their doctor.
Your child may show physical changes when their condition is serious or when their condition gets worse. Parents and caregivers can learn how to spot these signs in order to seek help from a health-care provider.
