What are common stool colors?
It's normal for stool to be different colors. For adults and children, stool is usually light or dark brown. Newborn babies have thick, greenish-black stool. Breastfed babies have stool that is yellow. When babies start to eat solid food, their stool becomes light or dark brown.
How can you care for yourself if your stool has changed color?
If you think your stool has changed color because of something you eat or drink, keep a diary for 2 to 4 weeks. Keep track of foods, fluids, and details about your stool color. Also track any medicine you take. Adjust foods and drinks based on your diary.
Changes in stool color: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if the change in your stool color wasn't caused by what you were eating or drinking and your stool is one of these colors:
- Black
- Maroon or very bloody
- White
Also talk to your doctor if you think that a medicine you take is causing your stool color to change.
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