Question
A newborn has been experiencing diarrhea for just two days, consuming only breast milk, formula milk, and water. What could be the possible causes?
Answer
The characteristics of a newborn’s stool can vary depending on the feeding method. Breastfed infants have stools that are golden yellow, soft, and uniform in texture, resembling soft cream. Occasionally, they may be thin and greenish with a slight acid taste but no odor. The baby usually defecates one to four times a day. If the baby defecates four to five times a day, or even seven to eight times, but is in good overall condition and gaining weight, it should not be considered a disease. For formula-fed infants, the stool is pale yellow, drier, more abundant, and has a slightly putrid smell, sometimes mixed with milk residue.