Why are my breastfed baby’s poos often green?
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Medically reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor
![Sophie Bell](https://web.archive.org./web/20240805045523im_/https://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2021/10/Sophie-Bell-profile-picture_square.jpg?width=80)
Written by Sophie Bell
Breastfed babies' poos naturally vary in colour from greenish-brown to bright or mustard yellow, so the occasional green poo isn’t usually something to worry about. But if you're a new parent, no doubt you've been keeping a close eye on your little one's nappy and wondering what's normal and what's not?
Get advice on breastfeeding, and how your baby is latching on to your breast, from your health visitor or a lactation consultant.
Learn more about food allergies in your little one and get the lowdown on weaning your baby on to their first solid foods when they’re six months old.
If you’re at all concerned, talk with your health visitor or a lactation consultant.
Remember, your baby knows how much they need, and you can't overfeed your baby if you're exclusively breastfeeding.
Learn more
Is it normal to see green poo in my newborn baby's nappy?
Your newborn’s first poos are a greenish-black and sticky. This is called meconium and it’s made up of everything your baby ingested in your womb, including amniotic fluid, so it’s important for your baby to get rid of it. Over the next few days, your baby’s poo will start to brighten and loosen in texture. As this happens, you’re likely to see some patches of dark green in their nappy.What are the possible causes of my baby’s green poo and should I be worried?
Sometimes there’s a reason behind an explosive green poo, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms. If your baby has a green poo but seems otherwise well, mention it to your health visitor or lactation consultant. But if they have green poo and seem unwell, have a temperature or are unsettled, contact your GP surgery right away. Here are some reasons why your baby’s poo colour may have changed:Breastfeeding too quickly
If your baby seems restless or fussy during feeding, or if it seems like they’re swallowing rapidly, they may be gulping a lot of milk at once. This can hit their tummy too fast, creating air bubbles and explosive green poos. Trying a laid-back feeding position may help to ease this problem. Your baby can relax and feed for as long as they want, comfortably supported by your body. Because you're lying back, your milk won't flow too fast, as it has to go "uphill" first.Advertisement | page continues below
Medication
Your baby may be sensitive to medication that you're taking, such as antibiotics or iron supplements. They may also be sensitive to any medication they’re having, or a vaccination they’ve just had.Breastfeeding mum’s diet
Your baby may have a reaction to something you’ve eaten. As well as having green poos, they may also show signs of eczema or develop a rash. See your GP if this is the case, as your baby may have an allergy.Learn more about food allergies in your little one and get the lowdown on weaning your baby on to their first solid foods when they’re six months old.
Infection
Your baby may have an infection, especially if they also have runny poo or diarrhoea. Breastmilk poo is normally loose, but if you see a change in your baby's poo that you’re concerned about, see your practice nurse or GP. Take along one of your baby’s used nappies in a sealed plastic bag to show them.A foremilk and hindmilk imbalance
There is some information from lactation experts suggesting that switching between breasts too soon while breastfeeding can cause green poos. This is because your baby is drinking more of the foremilk (the milk your baby gets at the beginning) which is rich in sugar, without getting the hindmilk that follows, which has a higher fat content. The higher sugar milk may cause your baby discomfort and make their poos green. However, it may be down to the quality of your baby’s latch.If you’re at all concerned, talk with your health visitor or a lactation consultant.
What is the best way to breastfeed to keep my baby’s tummy settled?
To help your baby's tummy stay settled, let them decide when to come off your breast. If you're not sure whether they’re finished, or when they’ve had enough milk, let them pause and rest for a few minutes. They may just want to take a little break before feeding again, just like you do when you're halfway through a meal.Advertisement | page continues below
Learn more
- Looking for information on formula-fed babies? Check out our guide.
- Baffled by bowel movements? See our baby poo photo gallery to find out what your baby's poo should look like.
- Has your baby started teething? Learn how you can ease their distress.
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