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Baby Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in babies can quickly lead to dehydration. Breastfed babies naturally have softer stools — that is not diarrhoea. True diarrhoea is noticeably more watery, more frequent, and different-smelling than usual.

الأسباب المحتملة

1Viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus) — most common cause
2Food intolerances (cow's milk protein, lactose)
3Teething (slightly softer stools possible, but not severe diarrhoea)
4Antibiotic side effect
5Introduction of solids (new foods can irritate the gut)

ما يمكنكِ فعله

MOST IMPORTANT: fluid intake! Breastfeed more often or offer bottle
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) from pharmacy for severe diarrhoea
Continue breastfeeding — breast milk contains helpful antibodies
For babies on solids: bland foods (banana, rice, grated apple)
Clean nappy area frequently and protect with zinc cream

متى تزورين الطبيب؟

Signs of dehydration: dry lips, sunken fontanelle, fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24 hours
Blood or mucus in stool
Baby under 3 months with diarrhoea → see doctor immediately
Diarrhoea with high fever (>39°C) or vomiting
Baby seems lethargic, cries without tears, has dry skin
Diarrhoea lasting more than 5-7 days

ملاحظات حسب العمر

Newborns: Breastfed babies often have soft, mustard-yellow stools — this is NORMAL. 5-10 bowel movements per day can occur in exclusively breastfed babies. Infants: Stools change after starting solids — this is normal. Toddlers: Viral diarrhoea is common, watch for dehydration.

الأسئلة الشائعة

How do I recognise dehydration in my baby?

Key signs: fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24 hours, dry lips and mouth, sunken fontanelle (soft spot on head), crying without tears, loose skin (skin fold returns slowly). See a doctor immediately with these signs.

Should I stop breastfeeding during diarrhoea?

NO! Definitely continue breastfeeding. Breast milk contains antibodies and fluids your baby especially needs now. Breastfeeding is the best treatment for diarrhoea. Offer the breast more often.

Is green stool diarrhoea?

Green stool alone is usually not diarrhoea. It can be caused by solids (spinach, peas), foremilk when breastfeeding, or iron supplements. Diarrhoea is recognised by watery consistency and increased frequency, not by colour.