Question
Is it normal for a 14-month-old baby to have 4 to 5 bowel movements a day? The stool is a bit runny, and this has been the case since starting on formula milk. Have any tests been done?
Answer
It is usually normal for a 14-month-old baby to have formed stools, not runny ones. If the stool is loose, it may be a sign of an impending cold. Since doctors indicate that early symptoms of a baby’s cold may include diarrhea rather than a runny nose or sneezing, it is also important to ensure that bottles used by the baby are regularly sterilized, especially after being taken out of the refrigerator when it’s hot. If you’re not sure, you can bring the stool to a hospital for testing.