There are numerous reasons for baby diarrhea, many of which are common and resolve on their own. Typically, baby diarrhea does not last for an extended period.
However, in exceptional cases, diarrhea could indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.
Causes in Breastfed Infants
A study of 150 infants found that breastfed infants had less diarrhea than infants fed partial or full formula. About 27% of breastfed babies had frequent diarrhea, while only about 72% of formula-fed babies had frequent diarrhea.
Even if your baby is breastfed, there are still many reasons why your baby may have diarrhea. These are:
Diet Changes
If you are breastfeeding, changing your diet can cause diarrhea. For example, eating too many spicy foods or sweets at night can impair your breast milk supply. This can cause your baby's stomach to bloat and the milk to move too quickly, which can lead to diarrhea.
Medications
If you take medicines such as antibiotics, they can also pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in your baby. Certain supplements, such as vitamins and protein powders, can also pass into breast milk and upset your baby's stomach.
While you are breastfeeding, you can expect everything you eat to change your breast milk. Even small changes can cause diarrhea in the baby's delicate pelvis, although this is less common.
Causes in Both Breastfed and Formula-fed Infants
Stomach Bug
If your child has sudden diarrhea, he may have “colic”. Also known as stomach flu and gastroenteritis, stomach viruses are a common culprit in babies with diarrhea. It also causes other symptoms such as vomiting and mild fever.
If your child has a stomach ache, he or she may have diarrhea and other symptoms several times over a 24-hour period. This common childhood illness usually resolves quickly after onset.
Medications for Infants
At times, your baby may require medication due to an illness. Some medicines can relax your child's bowels and cause diarrhea. These include antibiotics for bacterial infections and drugs to treat parasitic infections.
Some babies may even be sensitive to infants and painkillers.
Transition in Diet
When your baby is about 6 months old, he'll probably be curious about what you're eating. And you want to introduce them to solid foods. This change in diet can endanger the baby's digestive system.
Babies' stomachs take time to assimilate new solids. This can lead to diarrhea until the indigestion is reduced.
Milk Allergy or Intolerance
Milk allergy and milk intolerance are two different things, but sometimes both can cause diarrhea in babies. However, allergic reactions are rare. Only 7% of babies under 1 year old are allergic to cow's milk.
This type of allergy can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms hours or even days after eating. Most children outgrow this sensitivity by age 5.
Milk intolerance occurs when your toddler's stomach cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk. This may be temporary once your baby is hungry. Your baby may have diarrhea right after a meal, even if he's okay with this formula.
If your baby is having trouble with formula, check the label:
- Casein
- Lactose
- Whey
Can I breastfeed my baby if they have diarrhea?
The most important thing you can do to treat infant diarrhea is to keep feeding your baby. Breastfeed or bottle-feed more often while your child has loose stools to provide extra fluids.
You should not interrupt feeding to try to rest your child's stomach. A baby can become dehydrated very quickly without food, especially if he loses fluids from diarrhea.
Breast milk contains the fluids and nutrients your baby needs to replace what is lost through diarrhea. Breast milk also contains antibodies that help your baby fight infections and illnesses.
What can I do to help my baby with diarrhea?
You can't always stop or prevent your child's diarrhea, but you can help your little one get better. It also prevents dehydration and other complications at home.
In most cases, infant diarrhea gets better on its own and your child will not need any treatment. What you can do at home if your child has diarrhea:
Hydration: If you are breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding. If you are giving formula, prepare it as usual and feed your baby.
Ask your pediatrician about electrolyte drinks for infants, such as Pedialyte. These can replace lost fluids and salt in babies with diarrhea. But be careful: in case of normal diarrhea, breast milk or pumpkin are enough.
Frequent Diaper Changes: Change your baby's diaper regularly. Try to keep it as dry as possible to avoid diaper rash.
Diet: If your child eats solid foods, give him a small amount of foods that can relieve diarrhea, such as crackers, cereal, pasta, or bananas.
Foods to Avoid: You should avoid foods that can worsen diarrhea, such as cow's milk, apple juices, fried foods, spicy foods, sports drinks, and antidiarrheal medication unless your pediatrician recommends it.
When should I seek medical attention for my baby's diarrhea?
The two colors red and white baby poop or diarrhea is dangerous. If you see these colors in your child's diaper, call your child's pediatrician immediately.
If you see very light or white poop it may be a sign of liver problems. Red diarrhea indicates there’s bleeding somewhere inside.
Call the doctor if your child has severe diarrhea or more than 10 loose stools a day.
In conclusion, baby diarrhea is a common condition that can be managed at home in most cases. However, it is important to seek medical attention if your baby’s diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms. With the right care and attention, your baby can recover quickly and be back to their playful self in no time.