Blood in your child's stool is alarming, but in most cases, it's caused by treatable conditions like anal fissures (small tears from constipation) or minor infections. Don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Bright red streaks usually indicate bleeding near the anus (less serious), while dark/black stool suggests bleeding higher up (needs urgent attention). The good news: most causes in children respond well to treatment and aren't dangerous.
What Causes Blood in Stool in Children?
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
By Age Group
Infants (0-12 months):
Cause
Appearance
Other Signs
Anal fissure
Bright red streaks
Crying during potty, hard stool
Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA)
Blood with mucus
Fussiness, rash, poor feeding
Swallowed maternal blood (newborns)
Dark specks
None - baby is fine
Infection
Mixed with diarrhea
Fever, vomiting
Toddlers and Older Children:
Cause
Appearance
Other Signs
Constipation + fissure
Bright red on surface
Pain during stool, hard stool
Bacterial infection
Blood in loose stool
Fever, stomach pain, vomiting
Food allergies
Blood with mucus
After eating trigger foods
Juvenile polyps
Bright red, painless
Recurrent bleeding
Most Common Cause: Anal Fissures
In 90% of cases, bright red blood in children's stool is from anal fissures - tiny tears in the delicate skin around the anus caused by:
Hard, dry stool (kabz/constipation)
Large stool
Straining during bowel movement
This is the most likely cause if:
Blood is bright red
Blood is only on the surface of stool or on toilet paper
Child cries or shows pain while passing stool
Stool is hard
Formula-Related Causes
For formula-fed babies (botal se doodh peene wale):
Some formula-fed babies develop blood in stool due to:
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)
Affects 2-3% of formula-fed infants
Standard formulas (NAN, Lactogen, Similac, Aptamil) contain cow's milk protein
Symptoms: Blood/mucus in stool, fussiness, eczema, poor weight gain
Treatment: Switch to extensively hydrolyzed formula (doctor's prescription)
Constipation from Formula
Incorrect preparation (too concentrated)
Some babies are sensitive to specific formulas
Solution: Ensure correct water-to-powder ratio, consult doctor
Formula Options for Different Needs:
Condition
Formula Type
Examples
Price Range
Normal
Standard
NAN, Lactogen, Similac
Rs. 400-800
CMPA suspected
Extensively hydrolyzed
Similac Alimentum, Nutramigen
Rs. 2000-3000
Severe CMPA
Amino acid based
Neocate, Alfamino
Rs. 3500-4500
Always consult pediatrician before switching formula
Symptoms to Watch For
Note these details to tell the doctor:
Color of blood: Bright red, dark red, black
Amount: Streaks, mixed in, or large amount
Consistency of stool: Hard, soft, watery
Associated symptoms:
Fever (bukhar)
Vomiting (ulti)
Stomach pain (pet dard)
Reduced appetite
Weight loss
Skin rash
Home Care for Minor Bleeding
If blood is minimal, bright red, and baby seems otherwise well:
Reduce constipating foods: banana, apple, white rice
Give dal ka paani, vegetable soups
For toddlers:
Increase water intake (4-6 cups daily)
Add whole grains, fruits, vegetables
Reduce processed foods, biscuits, maida items
Establish regular potty routine
Step 2: Soothe the Anal Area
Apply coconut oil (nariyal tel) or petroleum jelly around anus
Give warm sitz baths (10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily)
Change diapers immediately after stool
Use gentle wipes or cotton with water
Pat dry, don't rub
Step 3: Monitor and Record
Note frequency of blood
Take photos of stool to show doctor
Track baby's feeding and behavior
Watch for warning signs (see below)
When to See a Doctor
EMERGENCY - Go to Hospital Immediately:
Large amount of blood (more than streaks)
Black, tarry stool (like tar road)
"Currant jelly" stool (red mucus mixed with blood)
Baby appears pale, weak, or very unwell
High fever with bloody stool
Severe stomach pain - baby draws up legs, screaming
Vomiting blood or green vomit
Signs of dehydration - no urine for 6+ hours, dry mouth, no tears
Baby under 3 months with any blood in stool
Schedule Doctor Visit:
Blood continues for more than 2-3 days
Recurrent episodes of blood in stool
Blood started after introducing new food or formula
Baby has poor weight gain
Blood with persistent diarrhea
You're concerned (trust your parental instinct!)
What the Doctor Will Do
Diagnosis:
Physical exam - Including checking the anal area
Stool test - For blood, infection, parasites
Blood tests - If anemia or infection suspected
Allergy evaluation - If CMPA suspected
Ultrasound/X-ray - If serious condition suspected
Treatment Based on Cause:
Cause
Treatment
Anal fissure
Stool softeners, topical cream, dietary changes
CMPA
Switch to hydrolyzed formula, elimination diet for breastfeeding mothers
Infection
Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicine
Constipation
Laxatives (doctor-prescribed), dietary changes
Polyps
May need removal (minor procedure)
Prevention Tips
Prevent constipation
Adequate fluids appropriate for age
High-fiber diet after 6 months
Regular mealtimes and potty routine
Physical activity for older children
Proper formula preparation
Follow exact instructions on tin
Use boiled, cooled water
Don't over-concentrate formula
Clean bottles and nipples thoroughly
Careful food introduction
One new food at a time
Wait 3-5 days before introducing another
Watch for reactions
Hygiene
Handwashing before food preparation
Clean utensils and bottles
Safe food storage
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
FAQs
Q: My breastfed baby has blood streaks in stool. Could it be from cracked nipples?
A: Yes, this is possible! Breastfed babies can swallow blood from mother's cracked or bleeding nipples, which then appears in stool. Check your nipples for damage. If baby is otherwise healthy and feeding well, this is likely the cause. However, in breastfed babies, cow's milk protein allergy (from dairy in mother's diet) is also possible. Consult your pediatrician to be sure.
Q: We're using Lactogen and baby has blood in potty. Should we switch to NAN?
A: Simply switching between standard formulas (Lactogen, NAN, Similac, Aptamil) won't help if the cause is cow's milk protein allergy, as all contain cow's milk protein. Consult your pediatrician first. They may recommend an extensively hydrolyzed formula instead. Also ensure you're preparing the formula correctly - too concentrated formula can cause constipation leading to fissures.
Q: How can I tell if it's just a fissure or something serious?
A: Signs that suggest simple fissure (less concerning):
Small amount of bright red blood
Blood on outside of stool or toilet paper
Pain during passing stool
Child otherwise healthy and playful
Signs that need urgent evaluation:
Large amount of blood
Dark or black stool
Blood mixed throughout stool
Fever, vomiting, or stomach pain
Baby appears unwell or weak
Q: My toddler has hard stool with blood. It's been happening for weeks.
A: Chronic constipation with fissures is common in toddlers but shouldn't be ignored. It can become a cycle - hard stool causes pain, child holds stool to avoid pain, stool becomes harder. See your pediatrician for:
Possible stool softener prescription
Dietary guidance (more fiber, fluids)
Rule out other causes
Early treatment prevents the problem from worsening.
Q: Is blood in stool related to formula allergy?
A: It can be. Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is one cause of blood in infant stool, especially in formula-fed babies. Signs of CMPA include: blood/mucus in stool, excessive fussiness, skin rashes, vomiting, and poor weight gain. If CMPA is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend a specialized hypoallergenic formula. Don't switch formulas on your own - get proper diagnosis first.
Q: Should I stop giving solids if baby has blood in stool?
A: If blood appeared right after introducing a new food, stop that specific food and monitor. If blood was there before solids or continues with multiple foods, don't stop all solids - consult your doctor. They'll help identify if a food allergy is the cause.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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