Symptom Checker

Unusual Stool Colors

Stool color can vary widely in children because of food, medicines and normal digestion. Brown, green and yellow shades are common.

Red stool can come from blood or certain foods. Black stool can come from digested blood, iron or some foods and medicines. Very pale or white stool can occur when bile is not reaching the intestine normally.

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AAP Guide to Unusual Stool Colors

The AAP guide below explains which stool colors matter and when to call us.

AAP Symptom CheckerStool color

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

Black, tarry stool appears without an obvious harmless explanation.
Red stool cannot be explained by food or medicine.
Stool becomes very pale, gray or white.
An unusual color persists or comes with pain, vomiting, jaundice or illness.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

Your child has significant bleeding with weakness or fainting.
Severe abdominal symptoms or another life-threatening emergency develops.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

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When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

Unusual Stool Colors

AAP Guide to Unusual Stool Colors

When to see a doctor

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

More on stomach and bowels