Baby has diarrhea

What to do if your baby has diarrhea

Diarrhea is common in infants. She is very different from a saddle a little softer than usual, which would only require simple monitoring. It occurs alone or is accompanied by various disorders, such as bloating, digestive disorders or stomach aches. It can be accompanied by vomiting. But it should be watched, because it can irritate the fragile skin of the baby’s bottom. While it often heals quickly, in more severe cases excessive water loss can lead to dehydration in the baby.

Causes of baby’s diarrhea

90% of diarrhea in young children is mild and due to to a diet problem : too much protein, too much fiber, too much sugar, too much fruit juice. Diarrhea can also be caused by rotavirus. This generates thegastroenteritis.

How does diarrhea manifest in babies?

The newborn stool are frequent. They differ depending on whether the child is breastfed or bottle-fed. Usually, a breastfed baby will have yellowish, rather watery stools. A bottle-fed baby will have thick, light brown stools. Stools can occur after every meal. But if they become smelly, streaked with mucus and very watery, then we can talk about diarrhea. It is accompanied by a loss of weight in the child. A fever can occur, especially if the baby has gastroenteritis. Baby can have diarrhea for many reasons. Poorly prepared bottles, teething, food allergies, bronchitis or even ear infections can cause it. Benign, it disappears, usually with the other symptoms.

What if my baby has diarrhea?

If the baby has diarrhea for more than two days, you should go to his doctor or pediatrician. Especially if he refuses to drink and vomits everything he swallows. Indeed, diarrhea causes losses of water but also of salt. This double loss causes dehydration. Likewise if the baby has a fever, if he has blood in his stools, if his belly is swollen and painful. In case of diarrhea, the number of stools should be monitored and changed regularly. A protective cream can be applied to the buttocks in anticipation of possible irritation. Diarrhea can cause dehydration. This has serious consequences. This is why it is necessary to give your child a regular drink and to supervise him.

What treatment for diarrhea in my baby?

Your doctor will prescribe antidiarrhoeals and rehydration solution. If your child is over 6 months old, you can give him mashed bananas, apple, cooked fruit, rice, ham, and carrot puree. And above all, it must be made to drink. Avoid drinks high in sugar (fruit juice) and carbonated drinks. Sugar promotes diarrhea by drawing water into the intestines. However, fruit or vegetable juice (diluted carrot juice, for example) cut in water can be offered. If your child is comfortable with feedings and solid foods, you should not stop giving them, even if you have gastroenteritis. Exclusion of milk and dairy products is only recommended in severe gastroenteritis for which there is lactose intolerance.