Bloody stools in babies can be caused by allergic colitis, blocked bowel, or red food coloring. Intussusception is a serious emergency that requires immediate attention. Checking with a pediatrician is important to ensure the child’s health.
Allergic colitis and blocked bowel are possible causes of bloody stools in babies. Also, red food coloring can make a child’s stool look reddish and bloody, although the child is likely unharmed by this. Some doctors note that most children get bloody stools at least once, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. To be on the safe side, it’s important to check with your child’s pediatrician whenever his or her health seems abnormal.
Sometimes a baby will have an allergic reaction to something he or she or the mother has consumed. For example, lactose and protein intolerances are common. A lactose intolerance occurs when the mother eats dairy products and then breastfeeds the baby or if the baby is fed formula instead of breast milk. Protein intolerances are usually due to formulas that contain soy. In all cases, the allergen can be avoided and the bloody stools should lessen and disappear.
Intussusception occurs when one part of a baby’s intestine slips into another part. This engorgement creates a blockage, leaving the baby unable to pass some stools. The stool that is passed is usually thick, gelatinous and red. Bloody stools in children caused by such a blockage are often accompanied by a swollen abdomen, painful grunts and vomiting. Blocked intestines indicate an emergency situation that needs immediate attention.
Red food coloring is usually a harmless cause of bloody-looking stools in babies. It colors the baby’s stool a pink or red color, which can easily be mistaken for blood. On the other hand, most babies do not eat foods with dyes until they start solid foods at four to six months of age. Bloody stools can therefore be a cause for concern if the child has not consumed foods with red dye.
While some doctors are dismissive of bloody stools in children that don’t come back, it’s safer to err on the side of caution. Making a quick mental note of stool consistency and color and then calling a health professional can ease a parent’s mind and help prevent serious problems from getting worse. In many cases, a nurse or doctor can tell exactly if a child’s stool requires a doctor’s visit. If the healthcare professional is unsure, she will ask for an appointment to ensure the health of the child.
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