Diarrhea is a condition that changes both the consistency
and frequency of the baby's waste output. Each baby
has her own stool pattern that changes slowly as she
gets on with age.
Signs?
If bowel movements change noticeably within only
a few days, she may have diarrhea. Any baby who
has more than one stool per feeding should also
be checked, even if this isn't a sudden change.
Also check the stool consistency to see if it is
not too liquid-like. The stool might also be more
odorous than usual. Other signs of illness in your
baby, such as poor feeding, a newly congested nose
and a new fever, make the diagnosis of diarrhea
more likely.
FYI
A newborn generally poops up to ten times a day,
and an older baby may poop anywhere from a couple
of times a day to once or twice a week. (In other
words, you'll need to know what's normal for your
baby.
Causes?
This condition is caused by any number of bacteria
or viruses, and usually lasts between 5 - 7 days. Other than infection, a change in diet (including
a change in mother's diet if the baby is breast-fed),
antibiotic use can also trigger the condition. In
most cases the diarrhea will resolve by itself within
a week or so.
The central concern with diarrhea is the possibility
of dehydration from loss of bodily fluids. Treatment
is aimed at preventing dehydration, the real culprit.
The good news is most children with diarrhea can
be treated safely at home.
Feeding Routine?
If your baby is breast-fed, continue doing so. Breast-feeding
helps prevent diarrhea cases by half. If your baby
still seems thirsty after or between nursing sessions,
you can supplement her with water or pediatric electrolyte
solution.
You might want to switch to a soy-based formula if
your baby is formula-fed until the diarrhea subsides.
Do not dilute the formula. If you are continuing with
the usual formula, then reduce the formula added to
water by half. Consult with your baby's pediatrician
for advice. Here again, supplement baby with an oral
rehydration solution or water to help replenish the
fluids and electrolytes that have been lost in the
diarrheal stools.
Add yoghurt to baby's meal. The active cultures found
in yoghurt can help to restore her regular bowel movement.
When
to call your doctor?
Call your doctor if your baby is under 3 months
and has diarrhea with a fever. Vomiting for 24 hours,
8 stools in 8 hours, or the presence of blood, mucus,
or pus in the stool should also prompt a call to
your pediatrician. If the diarrhea persists for
more than a week, or is accompanied by more than
72 hours of fever, get in touch with your pediatrician.
Contact your pediatrician right away if your baby
won't drink or shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth,
crying without tears, sunken soft spot, lethargy,
or going 8 hours without producing urine).
Prevention?
Hygiene! Practice hygiene by washing your hands
and your baby's hands frequently since babies love
mouthing. Wash fruits and vegetables before serving
and toys and whatever else your baby touches more
often. Wash your hands with soap thoroughly after
each diaper change or using the washroom.
Treatment?
•
Tummy massage
Start at the belly button and then massage outwards
in circles in a clockwise direction. Some oil or cream
on your fingers can also help. Only continue if your
baby enjoys the massage and is comfortable and relaxed.
•
Cycling
Place your baby his back. Hold legs and turn them
gently in a quick cycling motion. This will make the
stomach muscles move and, in turn, put gentle pressure
on the intestines to make them move.
•
Bath
A warm bath can relax your baby so the stools are
passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in
the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see
above). After cleaning your baby's bottom, apply some
cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside
of the anus
•
Avoid
Don't put a thermometer, suppository or enema or anything
else inside your baby's anus to stimulate bowel movement,
because this may cause damage. Still, check with your
doctor for advice.
•
Formula
If your baby is on formula milk, you should follow
the instructions on the package carefully. Making
the mixture too thick by putting in more than the
recommended amount of powder can lead to constipation
and other medical problems. It's best to stick to
the same brand, because different formulas may require
different dilutions. Switch to a low-iron or soy formula
until constipation clears.
•
Fluids
Give your baby plenty of fluids preferably cooled,
boiled water.
Prevention?
Once your baby is between four to six months old,
you can start introducing more bran-rich cereals and
fruit or vegetable purées into their diet.
These are rich in fibre and will help prevent constipation.
Prune purée is particularly good for this purpose.
Final thought
If the above suggestions don't work for your baby,
consult a doctor about special laxatives for chronic
constipation.
Mothers with older babies
If your baby is on solid foods, then carrots, rice
cereal, bananas, potatoes, and applesauce can help
slow down the stools. Avoid citrus fruits and juices,
peas, pears, peaches, plums, prunes and apricots until
the stools are back to normal, which should be within
a week or so.
