Why is your 9month old baby passing loose stool 7-8 times a day?
Diarrhea (or loose, watery stools) in infants and children is a common problem. Most of the time, it's caused by a viral infection. The virus that causes diarrhea can spread through contact with an infected person or with contaminated food or water. Diarrhea can also be caused by certain bacteria or parasites.In infants, diarrhea can also be caused by teething, starting solid foods, or taking antibiotics.
Sometimes, diarrhea can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a food allergy or intolerance, a digestive disorder, or a more serious infection.
If your infant has diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days, or if they have any other symptoms, such as a fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain, it's important to see their doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Here are some tips for treating diarrhea in infants:
- Offer plenty of fluids. Water is the best fluid to give your baby. You can also give them oral rehydration solutions, which help replace electrolytes that are lost through diarrhea.
- Continue breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby from infection.
- Avoid giving your baby solid foods. Solid foods can make diarrhea worse. If your baby is ready for solid foods, start with simple, easily digestible foods, such as rice, bananas, and applesauce.
- Avoid giving your baby over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications for diarrhea can be harmful to infants. If your baby's diarrhea does not improve, talk to their doctor about whether a prescription medication might be right for them.
- Try to prevent it from happening again. Wash your hands and your baby's hands frequently, and avoid contact with people who are sick. Avoid giving your child contaminated food or water. If your baby is taking antibiotics, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent diarrhea.
If your infant has diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days, or if they have any other symptoms, such as a fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain, it's important to see their doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.