Baby with Diarrhea. What do I do?

Deborah - posted on 02/28/2009

If it continues for more than 4 days you should definitely take her to the doctor. I know doctors say the fever and diarrhea are not signs of teething but my child had it when she was teething. She even spiked high fevers and we took her to the doctor and even ran some blood tests but found nothing wrong with her except she was cutting some teeth (molars at the time). So I would check her gums and see if they are puffy and if she has any bumps on the gum line. 4 months is early for cutting teeth but not unusual. My daughter started cutting teeth at 4 months along with some friend's babies. But again ... if the diarrhea continues definitely take her in to be examined.

Kelly - posted on 02/28/2009

I would say that you might want to call the doctor, just because she is so young. At least if you speak to a nurse on the phone, they can let you know exactly what to watch for. A friend of mine's girls just had a really bad rotovirus that lasted over a week, and if something like that is going around in your area, the doctor might be more concerned. As she gets older, one thing I was told by a nurse once when some of us were suffering with diarrhea, was the BRATT diet. Bananas, rice, apples, tea, and toast. Clear liquids (jelly on toast was ok, not butter). No soup! because of the grease. Something to watch for with infants, is that diarrhea will usually cause a diaper rash. When they have a rash, I always avoided diaper wipes (with alcohol, scent, etc.) that can irritate, and just wiped them up with a warm, damp, soft fabric washcloth. It really is much more soothing. Hope it passes soon!

Kristi - posted on 02/28/2009

Applesauce, yogurt, baby probiotics, bananas and toast - all those should help bind her up and get her digestive tract back on normal course and all was recommended by our doctor. Our family all got salmonella during the big tomato outbreak and that is what we did. The doc didn't even give us antibiotics. Said if the baby was nursing and drinking plenty of fluids, seemed happy and normal and appetite wasn't effected not to be too concerned... you can also call your doctor and talk to a nurse for suggestions if you feel its necessary but I wouldn't worry too much. I'd say if it persisted for more than a week to take her in - again, all advice I have been given from MY doctor (although all docs are different). :) FEEL BETTER!!!

Naomi - posted on 02/28/2009

Quoting Leisel:

If she is nursing well and active and not feverish, there is no need to worry after just 2 days. She will drink as much as she needs, so you will notice that she feeds more frequently or for longer. The bonus is that you will produce extra milk to meet her demand, just make sure that you increase your fluid intake to keep up.

Us Mommies have great "gut feelings" (excuse the pun in this instance) so if you are at all concerned do not hesitate to take her to see the doctor. Jeanne is correct at this age they do dehydrate very quickly but this is more common when they are vommiting too and not taking anything in.

Good luck this will probably pass very soon.

Thanks for this advice. She  seems fine other than the diarrhea, but I will continue to watch her closely. Thanks for the encouragement!

Leisel - posted on 02/28/2009

If she is nursing well and active and not feverish, there is no need to worry after just 2 days. She will drink as much as she needs, so you will notice that she feeds more frequently or for longer. The bonus is that you will produce extra milk to meet her demand, just make sure that you increase your fluid intake to keep up.

Us Mommies have great "gut feelings" (excuse the pun in this instance) so if you are at all concerned do not hesitate to take her to see the doctor. Jeanne is correct at this age they do dehydrate very quickly but this is more common when they are vommiting too and not taking anything in.

Good luck this will probably pass very soon.

Jeanne - posted on 02/28/2009

1st should be the doctor because they no best! What's really helpfull she don't show any signs of dehidration,  but just within a few hours everything could change. You should get her examine just to be on safe side! How you can help her I've never did the nursing with my 3 children so the way you can help is to get Medical advise 1st.

I hope this helps! Keep in touch & sending you angel blessings that she gets betber soon!

My name is Jeanne I have 3 children my older son Sylvain is 19 years old with Twins Matthieu (ADHD) & Natalie will turning 17 years old on the 3rd of March. I'm a single mom over 40 will be 45 this coming May, and I'm really looking forward of being part of the mom’s team and hopefully we can learn and all grow together to become a better person.

Jeanne