Treating Bloody Stools in Children

Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on February 19, 2024
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
1 min read
  • Bleeding is severe or there are clots.
  • Your child seems weak, faint, or very sick.
  • Your child is in pain.

 

Blood in the stool is usually not a serious problem in young children, but you should always call a pediatrician to make sure.

  • Your baby has blood in the stool.
  • Is the blood bright red or dark?
  • Has your baby eaten anything unusual or started any new medications? Foods such as tomatoes, beets, and artificial flavorings can cause reddish stools. Some antibiotics may also discolor stool.
  • If there was very little blood and your baby seems otherwise healthy, call the pediatrician during normal office hours.
  • If your baby is under 12 weeks old; has black or tarry stools, bloody diarrhea, or blood mixed with mucus that looks like jelly; or if your baby seems sick, upset, or lethargic, call a pediatrician right away or go to the nearest emergency room.