Question
An 11-month-old baby is experiencing symptoms of thick tongue coating, decreased appetite, and unstable bowel movements. If the baby does not defecate for two to three days, the stool is normal; however, if the baby defecates two to three times a day, the stool becomes loose and contains undigested food. Will this situation affect the baby’s physical development? Will there be improvement in the future, and should we be concerned?
Answer
If the baby is fed formula milk, it is recommended to use formula specifically designed for diarrhea in infants. If it is temporarily unavailable, milk can be diluted; if the baby is breastfed, the mother should pay attention to a light and nutritious diet, avoiding overly greasy foods, which are beneficial for the baby’s recovery. Additionally, since the baby has frequent bowel movements, their little buttocks may suffer. It is suggested that under the premise of ensuring the baby does not catch a cold, try not to wrap the baby’s buttocks too tightly. When cleaning the buttocks, use water as much as possible. If using a cloth to clean, do not wipe but gently pat and ensure that the movement is gentle.