Diarrhea in Babies and Kids


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Diarrhea in Babies and Kids

Poop. Something we all do but no one wants to talk about… unless its about your baby! It is normal for a baby to have lots of dirty diapers during the first 1‐2 months. Here’s what’s considered normal:

  • If you’re breastfeeding: poop can be light yellow, soft, or even runny, and they often contain small pieces that look like seeds. Breastfed babies may have a dirty diaper with every breastfeeding.
  • If your baby is formula-fed: poop can be yellow to tan and about as firm as peanut butter.
  • A greenish tinge is normal. If your baby is feeding and growing normally, you should not be concerned.  
  • Whether you breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, it’s normal to have less dirty diapers as your baby grows.
  • Poop should not be whitish and clay-like, watery and filled with mucus, or hard and dry. They should also not be black or bloody. If they are, call your doctor.

Signs of Diarrhea

Diarrhea isn’t just a loose stool (poop); it’s watery and can occur up to 12 times a day.

  • A sudden increase in how often your baby has dirty diapers
  • More than one per feeding
  • Appears to be more watery than usual and filled with mucus

Potential Causes of Diarrhea

Most are short‐lived and usually caused by a virus. Here are a few other reasons your baby might have diarrhea:

  • Use of antibiotics by the baby or breastfeeding mother
  • Not mixing or storing formula correctly
  • Excessive juice consumption. (The WIC program does not recommend any juice for children less than 12 months of age. For kids juice recommendations, read here kids 1-3 years old and kids 4-5 years old.)
  • Food not safely prepared and stored. Keep these food safety tips in mind to prevent bacteria.
  • An allergic reaction or intolerance to a food. Learn the types of food allergies and how to help manage them.

What You Can Do

Continue to give regular feedings of breast milk or formula for babies. For a kid over 12 months, follow these tips and continue to provide regular foods and fluids.

  • Provide small frequent meals
  • Offer plenty of fluids (Plain water should not be given to infants under 6 months old.)
  • Avoid juices and sugary drinks
  • Avoid foods high in fiber
  • Avoid greasy and spicy foods

Don’t use over-the-counter medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat diarrhea in adults can be dangerous when given to babies, toddlers, and young children. Talk to a doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine, probiotics, or any other complementary or alternative medicines.

Watch for dehydration

Dehydration can be dangerous for babies, infants, and children. Signs of dehydration include:

  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • No tears when crying
  • No wet diapers for 3 hours
  • High fever
  • Acting sluggish, tired, low energy, or weak

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t improve after 24 hours OR if any of the following symptoms appear:

  • Poop containing blood or mucus
  • Black poop
  • A temperature above 102°F
  • Signs of dehydration

Sources: NIH, HealthyChildren.org, HealthyChildren.org