No matter who you are, diarrhoea can leave you feeling really wiped. Quite literally so. But diarrhoea happens to all of us every now and again, and it is pretty common for babies to get it too. Viruses are the most common cause of diarrhoea in babies and will usually go away on their own. Stools for a baby are normally soft and loose. Newborns pass them often, up to seven times a day and sometimes after every meal. You might not be able to tell when your baby has diarrhoea because of this. If you notice changes in your baby’s stool, such as more volume in the stools all of a sudden, occurring more frequently than once per feeding, or if they are extremely watery or change in colour or bloody stools, then your baby may have diarrhoea.
Most Common Reasons for Diarrhoea in Babies
Many factors can cause your baby to have diarrhoea. The majority of these factors are harmless and will go away on their own. In rare circumstances, diarrhoea can indicate that something isn’t quite right, and your child may require medical attention. Causes for diarrhoea in babies can include:
- Change in diet
- Medications
- Stomach bugs
- Formula feeds
- Allergies and intolerances
- Bacterial infections
- Viruses
- Parasite infections
- Rare diseases
Treatment
Most times, diarrhoea will pass on its own. Keeping your baby hydrated, changing their nappies frequently and avoiding harmful foods will help your baby recover faster. Ensuring your child is drinking well is important. Knowing how to mix Oral Rehydration solution (ORS) is essential to making sure your child does not become dehydrated. You can find the recipe in your Road To Health Book (page 30).
ORS Recipe:
Mix 1 Litre cooled boiled water + 8 level teaspoons of sugar + half a teaspoon of salt
Give this solution in addition to the normal feeds your child drinks. Using frequent sips, offer this solution after each loose stool. If your child vomits, wait 10 minutes and offer more slowly.
When to Call the Paediatrician?
If your baby is a newborn and has diarrhoea, it’s important to contact Dr Vahed as soon as possible. Refusing liquids and inability to keep any liquids down, as well as becoming tired and lethargic, are signs you should go to the emergency unit. White and red are the two colours that should never be associated with stool or diarrhoea. If you notice these colours in your baby’s nappy, it is important that you contact your paediatrician right away. It is also important to call Dr Vahed if your little one has severe diarrhoea or more than ten watery stools each day. Other warning signs include refusing fluids, dehydration, vomiting, less activity than usual and blood, mucus, or pus in stool.