Infant diarrhea is characterized by a foul odor, a watery consistency and bowel movements that occur more frequently. Infant bowel movements may be slightly irregular during the first year of life due to the immaturity of the digestive tract and the exposure of new foods and liquids. Most cases of diarrhea are brought on by viral, bacterial or parasitic infection.
Virus
Viral infection is the most common cause of diarrhea, explains the National Institutes of Health. This infection is sometimes called the stomach flu, even though it has nothing to do with influenza viruses. The Kids Health website explains that several different viruses are responsible for diarrhea, including rotavirus and the coxsackievirus. These viruses are highly contagious and spread quickly in childcare centers and from one child to another. An infant can contract the illness by coming in contact with germs from a sick child or adult. These germs can be found on surfaces or objects.
Bacteria
A bacterial infection of the digestive tract in an infant can be caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, including poorly refrigerated formula or breast milk. The National Institutes of Health indicates that the most common bacteria to cause diarrhea include Staphylococcus and E. coli. This type of infection can be prevented in infants by keeping food stored at the proper temperature and reheating it appropriately. A caregiver can also pass this type of infection to an infant when adequate hand washing and food preparation techniques are not followed.
Parasites
A parasite can infect an infant and cause diarrhea. Some common parasites reported by the Kids Health website are the Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites. These can be found in contaminated water supplies like a pool or aquarium. The illness can spread quickly through a childcare facility or in a household with children of various ages.
Digestion Sensitivities
DrGreene.com explains that an infant's digestive system is still developing and adjusting to processing foods during the first year of life, making it sensitive. Sometimes the infant's stomach will not find a specific formula agreeable or may have trouble processing the milk protein called lactose. A breastfed baby may develop diarrhea because of certain foods the mother ate, such as dairy products or spicy foods.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It occurs when the infant is intolerant of gluten, a group of proteins often found in wheat and other grain products, explains the National Institutes of Health. This disease can appear at any point in life, including infancy.
