Question
My ten-month-old baby has been having diarrhea 3-4 times a day for over a week now. The stool is normal in consistency, not too loose nor too dry. It usually happens 1-2 times at 2 am, noon, and in the afternoon. I want to know if this is considered diarrhea? The baby’s diet mainly includes breast milk and small amounts of complementary food and fruit. We haven’t consulted a doctor yet, and I want to know if I should give the baby medication to treat diarrhea.
Answer
If the baby hasn’t had such symptoms before but has been experiencing this for the past week, with more than three bowel movements a day, it could be considered diarrhea. However, since the baby’s stool consistency is normal, it might just be due to an increased frequency of bowel movements or catching a cold. Firstly, closely observe the baby’s defecation situation and ensure that their abdomen is kept warm. Also, pay attention to whether the baby cries during defecation. If the symptoms persist or the baby cries, there may be inflammation, which requires active treatment.