Infants rarely have solid stool, and breastfed babies may poop after each feeding [1]. So, how can parents tell if it's diarrhea or normal?
Is green or yellow stools a sign of diarrhea?
Greenish or yellowish stool is normal. If your baby eats well and isn’t irritable, don’t worry too much about the stool's color.
Consult a doctor if the stool is:
Whitish and clay-like
Black
Bloody
Watery
Filled with mucus [2].
What frequency of stool should be alarming?
More than once after each feeding or more than 8 times in 8 hours are signs of diarrhea [3].
Should I call the doctor if it's diarrhea?
Yes, if your baby is under 3 months old, seek help immediately, even if the situation doesn’t seem serious. Infants this age can develop dehydration very quickly, which can be life-threatening if not treated right away [2].
Where does diarrhea come from if the baby is breastfed?
The most common cause is a viral or bacterial infection. Sometimes, a baby may react this way to medications, such as antibiotics that the mother is taking [3].
How to cope with diarrhea in infants?
A viral infection causing vomiting and diarrhea will likely resolve on its own in a couple of days. Medicines for diarrhea are usually not prescribed to babies at home [3]. Instead, the key is to prevent dehydration.
If you are breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding as usual, as recommended by your pediatrician. If your child is formula-fed, your doctor may suggest supplementing with an electrolyte and glucose solution.
If the diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, vomiting starts, or the baby cannot eat, call the doctor again [3].
Are there other ways I can help my baby?
Besides comforting, soothing, and feeding on demand, it's crucial to prevent diaper rash. Diarrhea can quickly irritate your baby’s delicate skin. After your baby poops, take off the diaper right away and clean the area with water or wipes. If you can, let your baby go for a while without a diaper.
Adults can easily get the viruses that cause diarrhea from children, so always wash your hands well [3].
Photo: William Fortunato / Pexels
