First-time parents may struggle to differentiate between diarrhea and a regular dirty diaper. Infants, especially those receiving a diet of only breast milk, may have loose or runny stools with a mild odor. Diarrhea in infants has a very strong and foul odor. Other symptoms may accompany the diarrhea, including a fever, odd-colored feces and fussiness. AskDrSears.com points out that diarrhea can also be identified by noticing significant changes in the fecal matter and the frequency of bowel movements.
Viral Infection
There are a number of common intestinal infections that can affect infants. Rotavirus, according to AskDrSears.com, is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. It leads to foul-smelling, watery diarrhea that is often green or brown. A fever and vomiting are common at the onset of the illness. Overall, rotavirus can last several weeks and is very contagious. Numerous other viral infections exist with similar symptoms.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections, such as E. coli and salmonella, can be picked up by an infant through contaminated formula or foods, as well as through putting the hands in the mouth after touching a contaminated item. Bacteria often leads to blood in the diarrhea. The infant may have a fever or vomit at the onset of the infection. In few cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to treat the infection. The infant's fecal matter contains the bacteria and can infect others who do not practice proper hygiene.
Parasites
Numerous parasites can infect an infant, including giardia. This type of infection is often found in contaminated water, especially when traveling to foreign countries. When water sources are questionable, bottled water or infant water can be used to mix formula to reduce the risk of infection.
Food Sensitivity
Some formulas or foods mom eats while breastfeeding can upset an infant's stomach. This can lead to gassiness, fussiness, excess spitting up and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is one example of a food sensitivity that causes such side effects. Caregivers can consult the child's health care provider to determine if the stomach issues are due to a lactose intolerance. Some breastfeeding mothers keep a food log to identify potential foods that cause infant stomach upset. Nursing infants may even develop diarrhea from spicy foods or caffeine.
Food Allergy
Different from lactose intolerance, an infant can develop a milk allergy. In addition to diarrhea, the child will have negative immune responses after consuming milk. AskDrSears.com describes such symptoms as wheezing, coughing, runny nose, diaper rash, facial rash, body rash and diarrhea.
Intestinal Maturation
A newborn is adjusting to eating formula or breast milk. This can cause occasional digestive upset, including diarrhea for a brief period of time. Making changes to an infant's diet can trigger this type of response. Infants who are given rice cereals or juice for the first time may have a small amount of stomach upset while the body gets used to breaking down such foods.
Medications
The website eMedTV.com suggests some medicines given to an infant may have diarrhea as a potential side effect. This is common with antibiotics given to treat other infant ailments.
