Managing Baby Diarrhea: Tips for Concerned Parents

Hello, Dr. Nair here. As a paediatrician, I see so many parents who are surprised and concerned by something as natural as diarrhoea. I always joke with them "It's a baby, what else do you expect?"

But I understand where they're coming from. Baby diarrhoea, especially when you have no idea what to do, can be difficult to manage. This is why I decided to share some important tips every parent should know. 
 

Before we get into the tips, let's understand when exactly is it considered diarrhoea in babies. Loose or watery stools more than three times a day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, are called diarrhoea.

A lot of parents often get confused between a diarrhoea and just an upset tummy. If your baby is experiencing this, pay attention to how they feel and behave. If they seem unusually fussy or uncomfortable it might not be a simple tummy upset. But just to be sure, let's understand how you can identify baby diarrhoea.

Understanding Normal Baby Stools

Understanding your baby's normal stools is essential for identifying any irregularities.

• The first stools, meconium, are thick, sticky, and dark green in newborns.
• Yellow, seedy, and loose stools are common during breastfeeding. However, formula-fed babies often pass firmer stools, which can be tan or brown in colour.
• Your baby's age and how you're feeding them will determine how often they poop; the frequency can range from several times a day to once every few days.
• These variations are usually normal, but sudden changes in frequency, consistency, or appearance could indicate an issue.

Signs and Symptoms of Baby Diarrhoea

• A common symptom of baby diarrhoea is frequent, watery stools that come in more frequently than a baby's regular bowel movements. There are fewer solid stools and a foul smell.
• An increase in frequency or a change in texture could mean diarrhoea.
• Fussiness, irritability, a decrease in appetite, and signs of dehydration, like fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or sunken eyes are also common signs.
• Your child's diarrhoea can also come with a fever, a change in colour, or even vomiting.
   

Baby diarrhoea can result from several factors, including:

• Infections: Risks include viruses such as rotavirus, bacteria, or parasites that might disrupt digestion, causing watery stools.
• Dietary Changes: When new foods are introduced, the formula is changed, or the maternal diet (if breastfeeding) is changed, a baby’s stomach is interrupted.
• Allergies or Intolerances: Diarrhoea may be due to reactions to milk protein or lactose intolerance.
• Teething: Sometimes salivary production increases and the gums irritate during teething, which may lead to diarrhoea.
• Medications: Disruption of gut bacteria by antibiotics can set loose stools.
• Other Illnesses: Digestion can be affected by colds or ear infections.

The only key to the effective management of diarrhoea lies in identifying the cause.
 

Diarrhoea in babies has to be treated very carefully, especially when it comes to hydration.

• Breastfed Babies: Fresh breast milk provides optimal hydration and necessary nutrients, which you must continue to do.
• Formula-fed Babies: Just stick to their normal formula, but you might consider giving them smaller, more frequent feeds to prevent overloading their tummies.
• Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Paediatricians will recommend ORS for a baby with severe diarrhoea to compensate for lost fluids and electrolytes.

If symptoms go on, stay vigilant and consult your doctor.

Recommended Foods and Feeding Frequency During Baby Diarrhoea

• Breastfed or Formula-fed Babies: Continue regular feedings to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Babies on Solids: Offer simple foods like ripe bananas, plain rice cereal, applesauce, or well-cooked carrots. Avoid fatty, sugary, or high-fibre foods, which can worsen diarrhoea.
• Meal Frequency: Serve small, frequent meals instead of large ones to prevent stomach discomfort.
• Fluids: Ensure your baby drinks plenty of fluids, like water (if age-appropriate) or pediatric oral rehydration solutions.

Baby diarrhoea is usually temporary, but being vigilant and proactive in monitoring your baby’s health is essential. Knowing the causes, signs, and symptoms will help you manage your baby’s hydration and comfort during such a time. Give gentle foods and regular fluids to help bring them around, and watch over their overall well-being.

If there are signs of dehydration, unusual conditions, or prolonged symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.