
Newborns tend to have softer stools, and it can be challenging to differentiate between regular bowel movements and diarrhoea. Diarrhoea in newborns is characterised by a sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of stools, typically resulting in three or more watery or very loose stools. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, agitation, or poor feeding, and can be caused by various factors, including dietary changes, infections, or certain medications. While occasional loose stools are not a cause for concern, persistent diarrhoea may lead to dehydration, a serious complication that requires medical attention.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition of newborn diarrhea | 3 or more watery or very loose stools |
Normal newborn poop | Soft and loose, especially during the first few months. |
Normal newborn poop colour | Yellow, tan, brown, or green |
Normal newborn poop frequency | Several times a day |
Baby diarrhea colour | Yellow, green, or dark brown |
Baby diarrhea consistency | Watery |
Baby diarrhea frequency | Two or three times more than normal |
Baby diarrhea symptoms | Fever, agitation, fussiness, trouble feeding |
Causes of baby diarrhea | Rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, antibiotics, milk protein allergy, cow's milk allergy, lactose intolerance, bacterial infections, viral infections, teething, changes in diet, travel, medical conditions |
Treatment of baby diarrhea | Keep the baby hydrated, offer breast or bottle more frequently, use oral rehydration solutions, change diapers often, apply diaper ointment |
When to call a doctor | Signs of dehydration, blood in poop, fever, baby not eating or excessively sleepy, diarrhea doesn't go away within 24 hours |
What You'll Learn
- Diarrhea in newborns can be identified by its high volume, extreme wateriness, and frequency
- Diarrhea in breastfed babies can be normal, but if it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea
- Diarrhea in formula-fed babies can be identified in the same way as breastfed babies
- Diarrhea in babies can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, antibiotics, and food allergies
- If diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms like fever, blood in stools, or dehydration, contact a doctor
Diarrhea in newborns can be identified by its high volume, extreme wateriness, and frequency
Diarrhea in newborns can be challenging to identify, especially since baby poop varies so much. However, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Diarrhea in newborns can be identified by its high volume, extreme wateriness, and frequency.
Newborns tend to have soft and squishy poops, especially if they are breastfed. They also tend to poop a lot—sometimes several times a day. So, it can be tricky to know if they have diarrhea. However, if your newborn's stools are very runny or larger in size, leaking out of their diaper, and more frequent than usual, they likely have diarrhea.
The color of diarrhea can vary, ranging from yellow to green to dark brown. It is often translucent and may have a foul odor. The texture will be extremely watery, resembling water more than poop. It may also be slightly firmer, but still very loose, and have a smooth consistency.
In addition to the appearance of the stool, you should also pay attention to your baby's behavior. Diarrhea is linked to sickness, so if your baby seems listless, agitated, or refuses to feed, it could be a sign of diarrhea. Other symptoms to look out for include fever, fussiness, and a change in appetite.
If you suspect your newborn has diarrhea, it's important to monitor their hydration levels as they can become dehydrated quickly. Look out for signs of dehydration, such as a decrease in urine output, dry mouth and lips, lack of tears when crying, and a sunken soft spot on their head. If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician immediately.
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Diarrhea in breastfed babies can be normal, but if it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea
Diarrhea in newborns
Newborns can have bowel movements with each diaper change, and their poop can be runny and squishy, especially if they are breastfed. It can be challenging to determine if a breastfed baby has diarrhea. However, if your baby's stools are very runny or larger in size, leaking out of their diaper, and more frequent than usual, they likely have diarrhea.
Diarrhea in breastfed babies
Diarrhea in breastfed babies can be normal, and it is usually nothing to worry about. Breast milk is full of antibodies, which help protect infants against common childhood illnesses like diarrhea. However, if your breastfed baby has watery stools that last for three or more bowel movements, they likely have diarrhea.
Causes of diarrhea in breastfed babies
Several factors can cause diarrhea in breastfed babies, including:
- Changes in the mother's diet: Eating spicy foods, sugar, or taking certain medications or supplements can change the composition of breast milk and trigger diarrhea in sensitive babies.
- Medications: Antibiotics and other medications for infections can cause loose stools in babies.
- Solid foods: Introducing solid foods to your baby's diet can cause digestive changes, leading to diarrhea.
- Allergies or sensitivities: Some babies may be allergic or sensitive to certain foods in the mother's diet, such as cow's milk, chocolate, gassy foods, spicy foods, or caffeine.
- Weaning: Introducing new foods during weaning can lead to stomach issues and diarrhea due to food sensitivities and allergies.
Treating diarrhea in newborns
If your newborn has diarrhea, the most important thing is to keep them hydrated. Continue breastfeeding or offering the bottle frequently to provide extra fluids. You can also give your baby oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Change wet and dirty diapers often to prevent diaper rash, and use a diaper ointment to soothe and protect your baby's skin.
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Diarrhea in formula-fed babies can be identified in the same way as breastfed babies
Diarrhea in babies can be identified by looking out for certain signs and symptoms. It is important to note that newborn babies normally have soft, squishy poops, especially if they are breastfed. They also tend to poop a lot, sometimes several times a day. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine whether they have diarrhea.
However, if your infant's stools are very runny or larger in size and are more frequent than usual, then they likely have diarrhea. Additionally, if their stools contain mucus, blood, or have a foul smell, this also indicates diarrhea. Other clues that your baby may have diarrhea include poor eating, acting sick, or a fever.
Diarrhea in formula-fed babies can be identified in a similar way as breastfed babies. Formula-fed infants typically have pasty, peanut-butter consistency stools that are yellow or brown in color and have a stronger odour than breastfed babies' stools. If you suspect diarrhea in a formula-fed baby, look out for the same signs as in breastfed babies: a sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools, the presence of mucus or blood in the stools, and other symptoms such as poor eating, fever, or acting sick.
It is important to monitor your baby's diarrhea and seek medical advice if needed, as prolonged or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a serious complication.
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Diarrhea in babies can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, antibiotics, and food allergies
Diarrhea in newborns is characterised by a sudden increase in the number of stools, which are very loose or watery. It is important to note that newborn babies normally have soft, squishy poops, especially if they are breastfed. They also tend to poop a lot, sometimes several times a day. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine whether or not they have diarrhea.
Diarrhea in babies can be caused by various factors, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, antibiotics, and food allergies. Here are some common causes of diarrhea in newborns in more detail:
Viruses
An infection of the intestines caused by viruses such as rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in babies. Viral infections can lead to an increase in the frequency and looseness of stools, resulting in diarrhea.
Bacteria
Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, are a less common cause of diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by bacteria often contains streaks of blood. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Parasites
Parasitic infections, such as Giardia, are another cause of diarrhea in babies, especially in outbreaks at childcare centres. Parasitic infections require medical attention and may be treated with anti-parasitic medications.
Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics can also lead to diarrhea in babies. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to loose stools. It is important to continue giving the prescribed antibiotic to your baby unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.
Food Allergies and Dietary Changes
Dietary changes, including the introduction of new foods, can cause diarrhea in babies. This is especially true for babies with food allergies or sensitivities. Common allergens include dairy products, eggs, gluten, peanuts, and shellfish. Additionally, a change in the mother's diet while breastfeeding can also affect the baby's digestion and lead to diarrhea.
It is important to closely monitor your baby's symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as fever, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration.
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If diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms like fever, blood in stools, or dehydration, contact a doctor
Newborns frequently pass watery stools, and it is usually nothing to worry about. However, if your newborn's diarrhea is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact a doctor:
Fever
A fever in newborns, especially when accompanied by diarrhea, can indicate an infection. Rotavirus, for instance, is a contagious illness that causes diarrhea and often includes a fever. It is more common in infants and young children and can lead to severe dehydration, requiring hospitalization.
Blood in stools
If you notice blood in your newborn's stool, it is important to consult a doctor. While it may be caused by minor conditions such as anal fissures, it could also indicate something more serious, such as bleeding in the intestines or a bacterial infection. Dark-colored or black stools, in particular, may suggest bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Dehydration
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a serious concern for newborns. Signs of dehydration include a dry or sticky mouth, fewer tears when crying, sunken eyes, decreased urination or fewer wet diapers, and drowsiness or dizziness. If your newborn shows any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
While newborn diarrhea is often harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, it is always best to consult a doctor if you have any concerns or if your newborn exhibits any of the above symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns often have loose, soft stools, especially if they are breastfed, so it can be hard to tell if they have diarrhoea. Diarrhoea will be almost translucent, happen frequently, and in large volumes. If your baby seems listless or agitated and refuses or has trouble feeding, it’s likely diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to keep your baby hydrated. Continue to breastfeed or offer the bottle more frequently. You can also give them a paediatric oral rehydration drink, like Pedialyte, if your doctor approves. Change their nappy often and use a nappy ointment to prevent a rash.
Contact a doctor right away if your baby has any signs of dehydration, including a dry mouth and lips, a lack of tears when crying, or a sunken or curved downward soft spot. You should also call a doctor if your baby has a fever or other symptoms, such as pain, poor appetite, or excessive sleepiness, along with diarrhoea.