Reasons of Diarrhea in babies
You can find a lot of different textures, colors, and odors in a baby’s poopy diaper based on what he’s eating (breast milk, formula, or solid foods). The poop is normally much softer than an adult's, and it’s not uncommon for it to be even softer than usual sometimes. But if it suddenly gets much looser or more watery, and happens more often and in large amounts, it may be diarrhea.
Causes of Baby Diarrhea
A lot of things can cause the problem, including:
• An infection with a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Babies can pick up these germs through contact with unclean food or water or when they touch germy surfaces and then put their hands into their mouths.
• A food allergy or sensitivity to medicines
• Drinking too much fruit juice
• Poisoning
Effects of Baby Diarrhea
Diarrhea makes the body lose too much water and minerals called electrolytes. That leads to dehydration. Babies can get dehydrated very quickly -- within a day or two after diarrhea starts -- and it can be very dangerous, especially in newborns.
Call your baby's doctor if you notice these signs of dehydration in your infant:
• Peeing less often (fewer wet diapers)
• Acting fussy or irritable
• Dry mouth
• No tears when he cries
• Unusual drowsiness or sluggishness
• Sunken soft spot on the top of the baby's head
• Skin that isn't as elastic as usual (doesn't spring back when you gently pinch and release it)
Also, call the doctor if your baby has diarrhea and is less than 6 months old or has these symptoms:
• Fever of 102 degrees or higher
• Belly pain
• Blood or pus in his poop, or poop that’s black, white, or red
• Sluggishness
• Vomiting
Baby Diarrhea Treatments
Doctors usually don't recommend over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines for children. But your doc might prescribe an antibiotic for a bacterial infection or an anti-parasitic drug for a parasite infection.
Babies with severe diarrhea who get dehydrated will need to go to a hospital to get fluids through an IV in their veins.
The doctor might recommend that you give your baby an oral rehydration solution. These products, which you can buy at the supermarket or drug store, have fluids and electrolytes and can prevent or treat dehydration.
If your child eats solid foods, the doctor might recommend switching to bland, starchy foods like strained bananas, applesauce, and rice cereal until the diarrhea stops. Mothers who are breastfeeding might need to adjust their own diet to avoid any foods that could trigger diarrhea in their babies.
Babies with diarrhea should avoid eating anything that can make it worse, including:
• Greasy foods
• Foods that are high in fiber
• Dairy products such as milk and cheese
• Sweets such as cake, cookies, and soda
Diarrhea that's caused by a viral or bacterial infection is very contagious. Wash your hands with warm water and soap every time you change your baby's diaper to prevent the infection from spreading. Keep the diaper-changing area clean and disinfected. Keep your child home from day care until he is completely recovered.