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I've been asked by new parents - especially those breast-feeding and whose newborn already has rather soft stools because of their breast milk diet -"How will I know if it's diarrhea"? Even though a newborn's stools are fairly loose on a regular basis you will notice when a dramatic change occurs. Often, diarrhea can be so runny that it is like water - only a different color, and MUCH smellier. You WILL know!

Two things to note before calling the doctor are 1) Is your child also vomiting? And like the diarrhea issue you will know the difference between projectile vomiting and spit-up when your baby experiences it (you'll never forget it either). 2) Does your child have a fever? If your child is experiencing either of these two additional symptoms then call your physician right away. The doctor will want to check that the baby is not dehydrating and will also check to make sure that these symptoms are indeed viral.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as infant Immodium medication or the like. It would be way too harsh on their little digestive systems. However, doctors will often prescribe that you replace a babies current milk diet with a product called Pedialyte. Pedialyte is a product much like Gatorade that replenishes many of the electrolytes and fluids that your baby is losing due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. Unfortunately, milk products can serve to irritate the problem and babies often have to go dairy free for up to two weeks to get their little systems on track. Always check with your doctor first before going this route!

If you are breast-feeding, this can be especially difficult. During this time-frame you may end up utilizing your breast pump frequently to maintain your milk flow while baby has to go milk free. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for use at a later date. It may just come in handy for when you need to take baby on the go, or if you have to go on antibiotics yourself one day soon (hopefully, not because you contract whatever baby has now ...)

If your baby is past the four-month mark and has begun to eat single grain cereals - you can help your baby by feeding them rice cereal on a regular basis. You might also consider mixing in apple or banana stage 1 baby food. All three of these foods are natural stool solidifiers and will help your baby hold onto the liquids he/she needs to get well. Babies closer to age one might also be able to handle some small bits of toast - but only do so if your baby has eaten such things in the past.

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