Ask a question

What should I do if my baby’s poop is very loose four times a day? Today is 23 days old. On the 13th of this month, he had 4 loose stools from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, which were almost watery. he took Simethicone once in the evening of the 13th and once in the morning of the 14th (1/3 of a bag each time). From the night of 13th to now, no poop. Urine is more normal, more than 10 times a day in the past 2 days. She is now breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Answer

Given that your baby is 23 days old and has been experiencing loose stools four times a day, here are some steps you should take:

  1. Monitor Hydration: Continue to monitor your baby’s urine output. Since the urine is more frequent than usual, it’s a good sign that your baby is staying hydrated. However, if you notice a decrease in urine output, increased fussiness, or other signs of dehydration, you should contact your pediatrician immediately.

  2. Keep a Poop Diary: Document the frequency, color, consistency, and any other characteristics of your baby’s stools. This information can be helpful for your pediatrician to assess the situation.

  3. Contact Your Pediatrician: It’s important to inform your pediatrician about the situation. They may want to know:

    • The frequency and consistency of the stools.
    • The color and appearance of the stools.
    • Any other symptoms your baby is experiencing, such as fever, vomiting, or crying.
    • The details of the previous episode on the 13th, including the use of simethicone.
    • The types of formula and breast milk your baby is receiving.

  4. Evaluate Feeding Practices:

    • If you are breastfeeding, consider any recent changes in your diet or stress levels that might affect your milk.
    • If you are formula feeding, check the expiration date and ensure that the formula is being prepared correctly.

  5. Consider Possible Causes:

    • Gastroenteritis: This is a common cause of loose stools in infants and can be viral or bacterial.
    • Formula Allergy or Sensitivity: Some babies may be sensitive to certain ingredients in formula.
    • Lactose Intolerance: While rare in infants, lactose intolerance can cause loose stools.

  6. Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications: Do not give your baby any over-the-counter medications without consulting your pediatrician.

  7. Follow Your Baby’s Lead: If your baby is feeding well, seems content, and is not showing signs of illness other than the loose stools, it may be a mild case that resolves on its own.

  8. Prepare for a Possible Visit:

    • If your pediatrician advises, be prepared for a visit. They may want to examine your baby and possibly run some tests.
    • Have a list of questions prepared for the pediatrician to address your concerns.

  9. Support Your Baby’s Comfort:

    • If your baby is fussy or uncomfortable, try to comfort them with gentle rocking, a warm bath, or a pacifier.
    • Use simethicone as directed by your pediatrician to help with gas and bloating if your baby is uncomfortable.

Remember, it’s important to follow your pediatrician’s advice and not to self-diagnose or treat your baby without professional guidance.