Baby has dark brown stool

The main food source for babies is breast milk, so the feces they excrete are light yellow and unformed. And because babies do not have the ability to defecate independently, their defecation needs to be controlled by their parents. At this time, parents can directly observe the color and shape of the baby's stool. If the baby's stool is dark brown and very different from other times, what is going on?

1. Green-black, sticky baby stool, also known as meconium: usually similar to tar. Meconium is the first stool after a baby is born, formed by residues brought in by the amniotic fluid. It looks black with green tints, which is normal because it contains bilirubin, a degradation product of red blood cells. It is normal for babies to excrete such stools within 3 days after birth, and mothers don't need to worry.

2. Yellow, loose stools, also known as breastfed baby stools: usually yellow and coagulated. Breast milk contains perfect nutrition. The poop of breastfed babies generally does not smell bad. When they poop, they fart loudly, which makes them sound like they are pooping a lot. If your baby is breastfed, this type of bowel movement will continue until formula or solid foods are introduced.

3. Yellowish brown, thick stools, also known as formula-fed baby stools: usually in a mushy consistency. This stool is a byproduct of formula feeding, either from exclusive formula feeding or from supplementing breast milk. During this stage, mothers should be concerned when stools are hard or watery.

4. Green-brown, mushy stool, also known as solid food mixed baby stool: This is a mixed product of daily food and is normal. Greenish-brown stools usually appear when babies start eating solid foods, but you may have seen this color before then. This color of baby stool is generally normal, but if the baby has other symptoms that worry you, it is best to consult a doctor for professional advice.

5. Watery, brown, loose stools, also known as diarrhea-type baby stools: usually watery and mixed with lumps. An occasional diarrhea in babies isn't a cause for alarm, but if it lasts for two days or longer, it could be diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and may also be a sign of infection. This infection is not usually dangerous, but dehydration due to the loss of large amounts of fluids through diarrhea should be a cause for concern. Your baby will need to be given supplemental fluids - either formula and water, or multiple breastfeedings.

6. Dry, brown, hard stools, also known as constipated baby stools: usually have an appearance and texture like dirt, clay or pebbles. Occasional constipation is real, especially for formula-fed babies. Blood may occasionally be seen on the surface of this type of stool. This is because the dry and hard stool causes mild tears to the soft tissue around the anus.

7. Pink, semi-digested food, also known as artificial color-changing baby stool: the baby will excrete stool that looks similar to the food he eats. Once your baby starts eating solid foods, you'll notice that his stools change in color and texture with each meal.