Infants’ stools are generally soft and have frequent bowel movements. However, stools in infants with diarrhea are different. But what are the symptoms of diarrhea in infants? What are the causes? And how can you relieve the symptoms? Parents can study the following information.
How to notice symptoms when your baby has diarrhea
Parents should observe the color, smell and appearance of their baby’s stool during normal times. Normally, newborns usually poop after drinking breast milk and the stool will be quite soft. If the baby can eat other foods besides breast milk, the top of the stool may look different depending on the food eaten and the stool will usually be more solid.
The characteristics of infant diarrhea stool may be difficult to observe. However, if your baby has more stools than usual and the stool is unusually watery, this may be a sign that your baby has diarrhea. In addition, you may find that your stool has mucus or blood mixed in it, or it may have an unusual smell. Although diarrhea in infants is something that can happen and is not something to worry about, if your baby has diarrhea for 1-2 days, it can cause your baby’s body to lose a lot of fluids and minerals, which can lead to dehydration , http://ufabet999.app which can be dangerous to your baby’s health.
What to do when your baby has diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a mechanism to help expel harmful germs from the body, so infants should not be given anti-diarrhea medications. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications for infant diarrhea. Therefore, parents can relieve symptoms and help their children feel more comfortable by following these guidelines:
- Give your baby an oral rehydration solution because severe diarrhea can cause your baby to lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration. If your baby is not vomiting, you can still give your baby breast milk or formula. However, if your baby is vomiting and unable to drink milk, your doctor may give your baby an infant electrolyte solution.
- Avoid sweets such as soda, carbonated drinks, sweetened drinks, fruit juices, jelly or sweets, etc., because sugar can make your baby’s diarrhea worse.
- Change diapers regularly to reduce moisture that can cause rashes and irritation to your baby’s bottom. It also helps reduce red bottoms from frequent diarrhea.
- Give your baby a gentle cuddle. Diarrhea can sometimes make your baby feel uncomfortable and cranky, so a cuddle can help reduce your little one’s fussiness.
When should you see a doctor?
Diarrhea in infants can last from 5 to 14 days, depending on the cause of the diarrhea. During this time, parents need to monitor their baby closely. If the baby is under 3 months old, they should be taken to see a doctor, and if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urination, crying without tears, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, sunken eyes, or fatigue.
- Persistent vomiting, especially after oral rehydration solution
- Mucus-filled stool with a foul smell
- Bloody or black stools
- Severe diarrhea while taking antibiotics
- Have a fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius