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Diarrhea in babies can occur for many different reasons. They could have a viral infection such as Rotavirus or bacterial infection such as Salmonella. Maybe they started solids and they tried a new food. Antibiotics are known to have a side effect of diarrhea as well. If they are formula fed and you recently changed their formula they may get a case of diarrhea. Whatever the culprit is, it is best that you tackle it as best as possible to prevent further illness.

WHAT IS DIARRHEA?
Diarrhea are stools that are loose and watery and that occur more than three times in a 24 hour period.
It is important that you try your best to treat diarrhea as it could cause severe dehydration if left untreated.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT IS DIARRHEA?
Healthy babies, whether breastfed or formula fed, usually have soft and mushy stools. Some babies may even go to the bathroom ten times per day. Just be sure to take note of the stool consistency when changing your little one. If it is very loose and has a watery texture, then it is most likely diarrhea, especially if they have had three or more of these types of stools within a 24-hour period.

TREATING DIARRHEA
In babies it is not recommended that you treat diarrhea with medicine. Instead you should work on rehydrating your baby.

~Give your baby plenty of fluids. Water and apple juice work best. Just keep pushing your baby to drink, drink, drink. Try to avoid milk until the diarrhea subsides.
~Give your baby bland foods. If your baby is on solid foods, then give them toast, rice, potatoes, crackers, bananas or applesauce. Do not give them any foods with any fat, spices or anything high in fiber. If your baby is not old enough for solids, then an abundance of fluids should help treat the diarrhea.

CHANGE THE DIAPER OFTEN
Diarrhea not only leads to dehydration but can also lead to a very bad diaper rash. Make sure to change your baby's diaper as often as possible. As soon as they have a bowel movement, get the diaper off of your baby. Make sure to wipe their bottom with water or a sensitive soap and fragrance free wipe and letting it air dry. Also be sure to apply a diaper rash ointment. Stools resulting from diarrhea usually are more acidic and eat at your baby's bottom a lot faster than normal stools.

Diarrhea is really nothing to be worried about. It is your body's natural way of pushing out enzymes that do not belong in your body. The important thing is to not allow your baby to get dehydrated. If your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as dry skin, dark colored urine, dry mouth or no wet diapers, then they may be dehydrated. Be sure to contact their pediatrician if there is blood in the stool, diarrhea lasting for more than three or four days, or high fever.

Learn more about this author, Adina Carter Allen.
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