Babies can have bowel movements in a variety of colors, and most of the time, that’s completely normal. But when your baby’s poop turns green, bright, or even a bit mucusy, it can leave you wondering whether something’s wrong or if it’s just another normal phase. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about those mysterious green baby poops.

Why do babies have green poop? 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), green-colored stools are perfectly normal. You’re more likely to see green poop in formula-fed babies because many infant formulas are iron fortified, and iron can cause poop to turn dark green. Older babies who have started eating solid foods may also have green poop because of the green foods they eat, like broccoli or spinach.

Dark green stools

During the newborn stage, it’s common for babies to pass dark greenish black stools called meconium. Meconium is made up of materials that accumulate in your baby’s intestines while they’re in the womb. This first stool is thick, sticky, and tar-like in texture, and typically appears during the first few days after birth. 

Whether your baby drinks breast milk or infant formula, they will pass meconium in their early bowel movements. After a few days, your baby’s stools will transition in color and consistency (transitional stools), usually influenced by their feedings. 

Iron supplements can also turn your baby’s stool dark green. If your baby is exclusively breastfed and taking supplemental iron drops, you may notice their dark green poop, which is perfectly normal.

Foamy baby poop 

Breastfed babies sometimes have frothy or foamy stools, which usually means they’re getting more foremilk than hindmilk during feeding. Foremilk is the thinner, more watery milk that comes out at the start of a feeding, while hindmilk is the richer, higher-fat milk that follows. To help your baby get a good balance of both, ensure they finish feeding on one breast long enough before switching to the other side.

Poop with mucus

Mucus-streaked stools accompanied by loose stools can occur during illness, specifically a stomach bug. These stools often have a strong, unpleasant odor and may even appear bright green. In some cases, mucus in your baby’s poop can also be a sign of a food intolerance or food allergy, particularly milk or soy. 

If your baby is diagnosed with a soy or milk protein allergy, your pediatrician may recommend avoiding those foods for a few weeks to see if the mucus resolves. For breastfed babies, this means the mother may also need to eliminate milk and soy products from her own diet, since the proteins can pass through breast milk. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully and avoid foods containing soy or cow’s milk until advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. 

If your baby has jelly-like mucus in their stool along with intermittent and severe abdominal pain, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Consult your local or Summer Health pediatrician if this is a concern. 

Slimy poop

Babies may sometimes have slimy stools, which can happen when they’re teething or have a cold. This occurs because your baby swallows extra saliva or phlegm, which then passes through their digestive system and appears in their stool.

Baby poop colors

Baby poop can come in many different colors, most of which are completely normal. However, some colors can signal an underlying issue. Here’s what each color might mean:

• Red poop: May indicate blood in the stool due to an allergy, food intolerance, or irritation around the genital area.

• Orange and yellow poop: Common in breastfed babies.

• Green poop: Common both breastfed and formula-fed babies.

• Black poop: Could be a sign of old blood. If your baby has black poop in the first few days of life, it’s likely meconium.

• White or tan: A potential sign of a liver issue, which requires immediate medical attention.

If you have questions about your child’s bowel movements, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.