Diarrhoea results in a significant loss of water and mineral salts and therefore presents a serious risk of dehydration. In extreme cases, it can even result in your baby having to be hospitalised to receive fluids so diarrhoea must be taken seriously.
Possible causes of diarrhoea in infants:
- Illness including a viral or bacterial infection
- Lactose Intolerance following gastro
- Giardia (parasite infection)
- Coeliac Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome in older children
What you can do to help:
- Rehydrate your baby. There a few options here: extra breastfeeds, additional cooled boiled water feeds or using an oral rehydration solution. Consult your health care professional for the best option for you and your baby.
- Your baby may have temporary lactose intolerance after a bout of diarrhoea. If your baby is breast fed, continue to do so and offer extra oral rehydration fluids between feeds. If your baby is formula fed, a special formula for lactose intolerance may be required temporarily.
- If your baby has started to eat solids you can provide food at the same time as oral rehydration. It is best to start with bland foods like plain biscuits, bread, rice or potato. You can then add other foods slowly back into your baby’s diet.
- Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly and whenever you change your baby’s nappy, as some forms of diarrhoea are contagious.
If the diarrhoea is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention is always the best:
- Your baby vomits whenever you give food or drink;
- Your baby’s vomit is green;
- Your baby’s mouth is dry;
- Your baby is passing watery poo every hour or two;
- Your baby’s stool contains blood;
- Your baby is drowsy or unresponsive;
- Your baby looks tired with pale grey looking skin and sunken eyes;
- Your baby is not passing urine (a sign of dehydration);
- Your baby has lost weight;
- Your child has bad stomach pain.
Related articles
Lactose Intolerance in Babies
Lactose intolerance is a clinical condition (not an allergy), with symptoms being associated with the digestive system, which is still maturing in young infants.
6 mins to read
Nappy Changing Tips
No one is an instant expert at nappy changing - don’t worry there is plenty of opportunity to practice. Your baby may lie still, wiggle, kick and scream or do all three.
12 mins to read
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) & Infant Immune Health
Explore the role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk and how they support infant immunity and promote a healthy gut.
6 mins to read
10 New Parent Tips for Navigating Early Parenthood Together
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home is a daunting experience to navigate. Along with all the joy and love you’re feeling, it’s entirely normal to feel unprepared and overwhelmed.
7 mins to read
My Baby Has A Flattened Head
Your newborn’s skull is thin and flexible making it easy to mould.
3 mins to read
What is Unsolicited Parenting Advice?
Children are our future so it’s not surprising that everyone feels invested in helping parents to better nurture their babies.
3 mins to read
Parent Shaming Online: What Parents Need to Know About Online Shaming
With social media providing a window into our lives for all to see, parent shaming online—or more commonly mum shaming—is something we need to all be aware of.
4 mins to read
Adjusting to Parenthood: The Shock of Becoming a Parent
Feeling tired all the time. The 24/7 care that is involved in looking after a newborn. The huge sense of responsibility that comes with being a parent. Sound familiar?
5 mins to read
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a yellow crusty substance found on your baby’s scalp or eye brows that may be oily or dry to touch.
2 mins to read
The Battle Against Parent Guilt and Other Emotions
If there’s one feeling that unites mums and dads all around the world in the rollercoaster of parenting emotions, it’s guilt—and most commonly it’s a mother’s guilt.
3 mins to read
Working Mother
Taking care of a newborn baby is a full-time job which requires dedication from you and your family.
4 mins to read
Understanding Your Crying Infant: A Guide to Infant Colic and More
Crying is your baby’s first form of communication and is designed to provoke adults into action.
9 mins to read
Is Shared Parenting the Future?
Sharing time with the kids. Sharing all housework. The mental load divided. Shared parenting may sound like the dream but is it really achievable?
4 mins to read
Baby Eczema
The skin is your baby’s largest organ and plays a really important role in protecting your little one from external bacteria and infections.
5 mins to read
Thoughtful Gifts for New Parents
In this article, we will explore a variety of gift ideas for new parents that cater to different budgets.
4 mins to read
Bathing Baby
Your baby will love a nice warm bath and if not, be patient – it won’t take long and they will and won’t want to get out!
6 mins to read
Baby Blues
Many women experience mixed emotions after the birth of their baby. Getting the right support is key if you’re feeling low. Read our tips on managing baby blues.
6 mins to read
10 Tips For Reframing Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts have a way of creeping in from time to time, which can make us doubt our path as parents. Read our tips to help reframe your thinking.
8 mins to read
Baby Allergies
Statistics show that Australia has one of the highest rates of allergies in the world, although it’s not entirely understood why.
10 mins to read