Question
Recently, my baby has been having more bowel movements in a day. I want to know if this is normal?
Answer
According to your description, a nine-month-old baby having 3-4 bowel movements a day may fall within the normal range. However, a baby’s bowel movement frequency can be influenced by various factors, including diet, climate, and individual constitution. If the baby does not have other discomfort symptoms and the stool consistency is normal (with moderate softness), there is usually no need to be overly concerned. But if you notice that your baby’s bowel movement frequency is abnormally high, accompanied by bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, or purulent stool with blood streaks, it is recommended that you consult a pediatrician in a timely manner. Additionally, the baby has recently been less interested in eating and has cold symptoms but no fever. This may be due to a viral infection causing a decrease in appetite. Babies of this age may experience changes in appetite due to illness or environmental changes. You can add some foods that help boost immunity to the daily diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and ensure the baby gets enough water. If the baby continues to refuse to eat or symptoms worsen, please contact a doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.