The frequency and consistency of your baby's bowel movements can vary. Sometimes bowel movements can become too watery, resulting in diarrhea, or infrequently, causing constipation. Constipation can be painful and cause discomfort but seldom is caused by a serious health condition. However, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and mineral loss, which can be serious and require hospitalization. Call your pediatrician if you are worried about your baby's bowel movements and stool consistency.
Constipation
The frequency of bowel movements varies, and this may make it difficult to tell if your baby is constipated or not. Some babies can go several days without a bowel movement and not be constipated, while others may go more frequently but have difficulty passing the stool. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast-fed newborns can have as many as 12 small bowel movements every day, while a 3-month-old can go few days without any. Signs of constipation include firm, large and dry stools associated with painful bowel movements, abdominal pain and blood in the stool.
Prevention
Dietary habits and changes in diet can play a role in constipation. Switching to cow's milk too soon or adding solid foods to your baby's diet can cause occasional episodes of constipation. Adding high-fiber foods, such as prunes, apricots, plums, peas, beans and whole-grain cereal, and adding water to your baby's diet may help relieve constipation. In severe cases, your pediatrician may prescribe an enema or mild laxative. You should never give your baby a laxative without your doctor's advice, advises Dr. Jay L. Hoecker on Mayo.Clinic.com.
Diarrhea
The consistency of bowel movements, together with the frequency, also varies in children. Occasional loose stool is not alarming, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, if the bowel movements suddenly changes to a loose and watery consistency that occurs more frequently than normal, your baby has diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs when your baby does not digest and absorb the nutrients from food and when the lining of the intestine leaks fluids, making the stool watery. Several factors can cause diarrhea, including viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, food allergy, side effects of medications, food poisoning and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Signs of Dehydration
Loss of a significant amount of water can lead to dehydration. Signs and symptoms of dehydration may include less frequent urination, dry mouth, sunken soft spot of the head, frequent and loose stools, weakness, fussiness, crying without tears, cool and discolored hands and feet, and wrinkled skin. Dehydration can be serious and you should immediately call your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of dehydration.
Treatment
No effective treatment exists for viral diarrhea, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in babies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Never give your baby over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications because they can worsen the condition and do not treat infection. If your baby is active, hungry and does not have fever, continue giving your baby breast milk or formula, unless your doctor has advised otherwise. Avoid high-sugar drinks, such as juices or soda, because this can make diarrhea worse. Your doctor may recommend an electrolyte solution in case of severe fluid loss. If diarrhea occurs in combination with symptoms of dehydration, fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, and your baby refuses to eat or drink, go to the emergency room immediately.
References
- "Your Baby's First Year"; The American Academy of Pediatrics; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Diarrhea; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Infant Constipation: How Is It Treated?; Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.; May 2011
