Diarrhea are stools that are loose and watery and that occur more than 3 times in a 24 hour period. The causes of infant diarrhea vary from teething , gastrointestinal infections and antibiotics. Most cases of infant diarrhea will go away on their own. However, diarrhea can lead to dehydration which is a serious problem. Infants with diarrhea can become dehydrated in a short period of time. Using oral rehydration solutions like pedialyte can help prevent dehydration. One common cause of diarrhea in infants is the stomach flu (known medically as viral gastroenteritis). Many different viruses can cause stomach flu in infants. The most common types are Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Astrovirus.
When to call the doc:
Anytime a baby younger than 2 months has diarrhea, when you see blood in the stools, or when the diarrhea lasts more than eight hours. Be on the lookout for dehydration; the first clue is fewer wet diapers. If you see a sunken soft spot, head for the E.R.
How to treat it:
Continue to nurse or give your baby an over-the-counter electrolyte solution (hold off on cow's-milk formula). For ongoing baby diarrhea from antibiotics, some doctors recommend a probiotic supplement.
What to feed:
When appetite returns, offer babies eating solids a binding BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), yogurt that contains live cultures (such as Stonyfield Farms), and low-fat protein, like baked chicken.
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