Understanding Blood in Baby's Stool: Causes & When to Worry

Bloody stool in a baby's diaper can be alarming to a parent. In most cases, though, the problem is minor and will resolve itself. However, whenever you see blood in your baby's stool, you should discuss it with your pediatrician.

Misconceptions

• The majority of all babies will have blood in their stool at least once during infancy. During the newborn stage, blood also can show up in urine.

Common Causes

• Common causes include food allergies and a small anal tear caused by the baby straining to pass stool. Also, if the baby is breastfeeding and the mom has cracked nipples, the baby could have ingested some blood.

Infections

• If the child has diarrhea with blood, an infection might be the cause. .

Urgert Issues

• If the child has dark red, jelly-like blood and is experiencing abdominal pain, call your doctor immediately. You might also have to go to the emergency room.

Important Symptoms

• If the child is in severe pain, has been experiencing bloody diarrhea for every hour for several hours and is lethargic, call the doctor or go to the ER.

Considerations

• It is important to remember that in most instances, the problem will go away on its own. Most cases of blood in a baby's stool can just be monitored after a phone call to the doctor's office.