Facts About Infant Diarrhea
Infant diarrhea comes in many forms and can be caused by a variety of things. When babies are young, especially newborns whose bowel movement pattern hasn’t really been established yet, it can be a little difficult to tell whether the child is experiencing diarrhea. Most young babies already have soft stools, especially if they are fed breast milk. Although their stools are generally soft, they generally are not downright runny or liquefied. A baby’s stool does gain a bit more solidity as the child grows. They can also have bowel movements quite frequently. In fact, it is not uncommon for newborns to have a bowel movement every time they are fed. The frequency of bowel movements generally lessens as the baby grows older, making it much easier to determine whether the child is experiencing more frequent bowel movements.
Because babies’ stools are generally soft and frequent to begin with, the best way a parent can discern diarrhea from typical bowel movements is to pay attention to their child. Parents can gain a sense for how many movements their child averages every day. Each child is different and only the parents can tell what is truly normal for their child. If a parent suspects that their child may be experiencing diarrhea, the next step is to decide whether there have been any changes in the child which could cause this condition. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of infant diarrhea.
Changes in Diet
Dietary changes can upset the delicate tummy and digestive system of a young baby. Children on formula may experience diarrhea if the brand or type of formula is changed. In general, it is not advisable to change a baby’s formula unless a health concern is suspected. If a change must be made, it should be done slowly over the course of a few days. This will give the baby’s tummy a chance to adjust to the new formula without bearing the full brunt of the change all at once.
To switch a baby’s formula, it is recommended that the parent start by mixing 3/4 of the baby’s old milk with 1/4 of the new formula. If the baby does not experience any negative symptoms after a day of eating the formula mixture, then the next day a 50/50 mixture can be given. Again, if the baby does not produce negative symptoms, the mixture can be flipped to 3/4 new formula and 1/4 old. By the fourth day, the child should be drinking the new formula straight, provided the child did not have any adverse effects during the transition.
Bacterial or Viral Infection
Infant diarrhea can be a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection. An infant’s immune system is very fragile which makes them especially susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses. When a child’s immune system is put to the test, simple processes such as digestion can become stressed and less productive than normal. If an infant experiences diarrhea accompanied by a fever for more than 72 hours, then the child should see a doctor. In most cases, viral infections must simply run their course, however bacterial infections can usually be treated with an antibiotic. Unfortunately, diarrhea is also a side effect of taking antibiotics. If a child has severe diarrhea, it may be necessary to administer an electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, in addition to frequent offerings of purified (not mineral) water.
Food Intolerance
Intolerance to certain foods may also be the cause behind a case of infant diarrhea. Food intolerance is not the same as an allergy, as a food allergy involves a reaction produced by the immune system. Food intolerance usually does not produce hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or any of the other symptoms that an allergy can produce. Instead, intolerance will generally cause an upset stomach, bloating, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting. The most likely foods that an infant may be intolerant of include dairy products and soy. This includes cheese, yogurt, margarine/butter, and other dairy products made from cow’s or goat’s milk.