Baby Diarrhea
All You Have Ever Wanted to Know About Baby Diarrhea
Finally, an article that examines the in and outs of baby diarrhea. The first step in determining whether of not your baby or infant has diarrhea is by understanding what is normal for your child. Most babies that are breastfed tend to have extremely soft stools, which may be frequently mistaken for baby diarrhea. Furthermore, as with adults, babies will have different firmness in stools depending on their diet.
Now, with the above information it should be relatively easy to tell if your baby has an instant change in bowel movements that is prolonged. An occasional extremely soft stool is nothing to freak out about; however, if it remains consistent and is not what you are used to seeing in your infant’s diaper, there may be room for concern. Even if your baby does have diarrhea, it is normally not a severe issue related to serious health problems, as is the case for some countries outside the United States.
If you notice that your baby has produced extremely loose stools for over eight hours, it is time to consult a physician. Furthermore, bloody stools and babies with diarrhea who are under the age of two months are also advised to seek medical advice. If you notice that your baby is producing less wet diapers than normal, this may be a sign of dehydration and should be monitored carefully. It is essential for parents to be sure to continue to give children with baby diarrhea enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
There are multiple causes of baby diarrhea including intolerance of certain foods. On the other hand, the diarrhea could be a result of a stomach virus. More serious issues include viral infections, which are accompanied also by a fever, vomiting, and aches. Babies with a bacterial infection will also experience diarrhea as well as blood generally being found within the stool and accompanied by fever and stomach cramps. Other common causes of baby diarrhea include ear infections and consuming too much fruit juice. It is best to monitor your child and be sure to seek medical attention if the diarrhea is prolonged or is in the presence of other symptoms such as fever and blood within the stool. These symptoms may be signs of more serious conditions that must be treated by a physician. It is best to never assume that the diarrhea is not a big deal if your child is acting lethargic and completely different than normal.
There are multiple treatment options for baby diarrhea, but the first concern should always be to keep your child hydrated with plenty of liquids to keep your infant from becoming dehydrated and having to be put into the hospital. Babies who are not vomiting should continue to drink formula or breast milk; however, if your child is throwing up, be sure to ask a doctor about other hydrating options. There are several electrolyte-restoring solutions for infants that may be purchased over the counter. It is essential to avoid giving your child anything that includes a lot of sugar, including Jell-O.
For children who are eating table foods, there are recommended items for consumption that are said to keep from making the diarrhea worse. Rice cereal, bananas, sugar free applesauce, and pasta are a few of the items that are acceptable aside from baby formula. However, it is best if you avoid juices, dairy products, peaches, pears, and plums. Be sure to ask your physician for a complete list of accepted foods as well as those you should avoid when handling a child with diarrhea.
In conclusion, baby diarrhea is generally an unserious issue. The best things to do in these situations are to monitor your child’s temperature and continue to feed liquids to keep your baby hydrated. If a fever develops or diarrhea becomes prolonged, seek medical advice in order to obtain a treatment plan.