Worried About 5Yr Old's Poop

Updated on December 28, 2010
C.S. asks from Arlington Heights, IL
11 answers

Hello Mamas! First, let me apologize if I get graphic in my question. My 5yr daughter's poop has been olive green in color for the past few days. When she was potty training over 2yrs ago, she held her poop and went as little as once a week. Now she's going almost once every day, but the past few days the color has changed from brown to olive green. I checked WebMD and said green is the first color in the digestive tract, but didn't say it was bad. You have never let me down, and it doesn't hurt to ask.

Thank you for your help and happy holidays!

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Featured Answers

D.B.

answers from Boston on

She SHOULD be going at least once a day, so that's an improvement. Color can change based on diet, based on the accumulated "sludge" on the colon walls being flushed out (usually only happens with the right combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, which is tough to get in a regular diet, particularly in kids who are picky eaters), or something like a cold or respiratory issue which increases mucus secretions that to through the stomach and are eliminated through the poop.

I'm a nutritional consultant so if there are additional changes you want to discuss, get back to me.

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More Answers

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

Green poop is okay. Probably a little extra iron in some of things your daughter ate lately... along with some green, leafy veggies maybe?
It means that her poop went through her intestines rather quickly rather than lingering in their a long time and turning brown (she probably had some good fiber lately in order for that to happen). Spinach makes green poop. I'm sure it will turn back to brown after a few more meals. If it were pale and yellow that would be something to worry about, but green is pretty much okay.

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R.B.

answers from Chicago on

I know I'm a little late on this one (hey, it's the holidays!), but I've found that my kids' changes color to a nice green if they've had anything that's purple/blue...say food coloring. So, cake with purple or blue (or even black) frosting or frosted cupcakes or cookies. So, while it could be something healthier like good iron or spinach, it could also be food coloring from some holiday treats.

C.G.

answers from Denver on

Does she have too much iron in her system? Just a thought. I know when I have too much iron my stools turn a lovely shade of green.

What has she eaten lately? This could account for color changes. Of course, if you are really concerned call her doctor. Best of luck.

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

why are you checking the color of your child's poop??

The ONLY color to freak about is pure white - this can be a symptom of liver failure. Otherwise, seriously it's just something they are eating with that coloring to it. If the consistency is runny, or rock hard, change their diet or assume they have a tummy bug, but otherwise, stay out of the bathroom and stop stressing!! :)

B.H.

answers from Chicago on

Froot loops (the few times I let the kids eat them) do that to my kids. Without fail.

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

typically when you have a good amount of Iron in the diet you get the funky brown/green color and an odd consistancy ... I am borderline anemic and control it with my diet but while preggers had to take iron pills and I nearly freaked 24hrs after taking the first round that I called my doc and she laughed (lovingly) and said it was normal and meant that the iron pills were in my system and not to worry.

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S.X.

answers from Chicago on

well. black licorice and i believe spinage can make green poop. its prob just something she's eating.

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T.T.

answers from Chicago on

look at what she has been eating. if its nothing out of the ordinary and it continues you may want to talk to dr

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M.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree with the previous comments about iron. This week I made spinach soup and (excuse the graphicness) both of my children's poops turned green. They were eating loads of the soup so I figure thats what it is.

If your daughters poops are runny for multiple days that might be cause for concern or if she is constantly pooping all day long.. but otherwise going once a day is normal.

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J.W.

answers from Lexington on

Poop color changes depending on what is being eaten. So, green poop can be perfectly fine.

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