How do I know if my baby has diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection or it may occur if your baby is on a course of antibiotics. You will know it is diarrhoea by a change in the frequency and consistency of your baby’s poo. A baby suffering from diarrhoea will pass stools a lot more frequently and the poo they produce will be very loose and watery.
What can I do to help?
If your baby does experience a bout of diarrhoea there is no need to stress, diarrhoea won’t pose a major health risk as long as your baby doesn’t become dehydrated. It is important that you offer your baby plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost from diarrhoea. Babies younger than 6 months are at most risk of dehydration. Your baby will show the following symptoms if they are dehydrated.
- Reduction in number of wet nappies
- Dry lips or mouth
- Drowsiness or sunken eyes
- Refusing feeds
- Vomiting replacement fluids
- Cold hands and feet
If your baby shows any of the signs of dehydration it is important that you seek the advice of your healthcare professional. They may recommend the use of an oral-rehydration solution which will replace the water and essential minerals your baby would have lost with having diarrhoea.
To stop the spread of viruses and bacteria from one person to another it is important that you wash your hands well with warm soapy water before and after changing nappies, after going to the bathroom yourself and before preparing food.
If you not sure if your baby has diarrhoea and would like to talk it through, contact our team of expert baby feeding advisors and nutritionists.