Childhood diarrhea occurs when the child has more than 3 stools of soft or liquid stools during the day, being common in infants due to virus. To know if the baby has diarrhea should be observed the consistency of the poop in the diaper because when there is diarrhea the stool has the following characteristics:
- Coconut even more liquid than normal;
- Color different from usual;
- More intense smell, especially when it is caused by gastroenteritis;
- The diaper usually can not hold the poop, leaking poop to the baby's clothing;
- The poop can come out in a strong jet.
It is normal for baby poop under 6 months to have a pasty consistency, being quite different from an adult. But in normal poop the baby looks healthy and although the poop is not well shaped like an adult, it is located in an area of the diaper. In case of diarrhea this does not happen and the poop spreads through all genitals and leaks, dirtying the clothes. However, normal poop can also leak and so it is not always easy to find out if the baby has diarrhea if it does not show other signs and symptoms.
When to go to the doctor
Parents should bring the baby to the pediatrician if the following symptoms are present:
- More than 1 episode of same-day diarrhea;
- If the baby seems listless or sick, being less active and very sleepy during the day;
- If the diarrhea is very intense and there are no signs of improvement in 3 days;
- If you notice diarrhea with pus or blood;
- If other symptoms such as vomiting and fever above 38 ° C are present.
It is common for viruses to cause vomiting, diarrhea and fever in the baby, but these symptoms can also arise when the baby eats some food for the first time due to intolerances or allergies, for example, and therefore it should always be evaluated by the doctor.
What can cause diarrhea in the baby
The main causes of diarrhea in the baby are the viruses, which also cause vomiting, fever and loss of appetite. Gastroenteritis caused by Rotavirus is common in infants less than 1 year of age, even if they have been vaccinated, and as a main characteristic has a diarrhea with a smell of rotten egg.
Some babies also get diarrhea when the toothbrushes are being born, not being a major cause for concern.
When diarrhea is caused by a viral infection, it can last for more than 5 days and the buttocks can become roasted, red, and may leak a little blood. So when your baby has diarrhea, your diaper should be changed as soon as it is dirty. Parents should put ointment against rash and keep the baby always clean and comfortable so that they can rest and recuperate faster.
How To Stop For Baby Diarrhea
Usually diarrhea seizures disappear by themselves within 5 to 8 days, but in any case the baby must be taken to the pediatrician so that he can evaluate and indicate the use of medication if necessary.
- Feeding the baby with diarrhea
To care for the child with diarrhea, parents should give the child light meals with cooked foods such as rice porridge, mashed vegetables with cooked and shredded chicken, for example. During this period the baby does not need to eat much, and it is more appropriate for him to eat less, but more often.
Foods that should not be given to the baby with diarrhea are the high-fiber foods like cereals, peeled fruits. Also discouraged are chocolate, soda, cow's milk, cheese, sauces and fried foods, so as not to over stimulate the intestine, making it difficult to cure diarrhea.
The baby should drink plenty of fluids, such as water, coconut water, tea or natural juices, as it is through the stool that the child loses fluids and may become dehydrated. In some cases, it may be necessary to give a homemade serum or serum purchased from pharmacies. See the Homemade Serum Recipe to prepare the right way.
- Remedies for diarrhea in the baby
It is not recommended to give medicines to stop the baby's diarrhea, so you should never give medicines like Imosec for children under 2 years of age. The pediatrician may recommend only medicines like Paracetamol in the form of syrup to relieve pain and discomfort, and lower fever if these symptoms are present.
Another remedy that can be indicated to replenish the bacterial flora of the baby's intestine and that helps it recover faster are probiotics like Floratil, for example.
Home Remedy for Diarrhea in Baby
To care for the child with childhood diarrhea, one can prepare a home remedy to help trap the intestine, relieving this discomfort. Thus, chamomile tea can be made several times a day, but rice water is also an excellent option. Just leave the rice soaked in the clean water for 10 minutes and then wash the rice in that water and take that whitish water throughout the day.
