The signs of diarrhea in newborns can be clearly identified through the number of times the baby has bowel movements, the shape and color of the baby, and the smell of his stool.
Babies with diarrhea - Signs that parents should not ignore
According to WHO statistics, diarrhea is considered the second leading cause of infant mortality in the world, only after respiratory infections . Therefore, understanding the condition and knowing exactly when the child is having diarrhea is one of the skills that parents need to master in the process of caring for a newborn.
Usually the number of times a baby's going out will change with each month of age. It is normal for a newborn baby under 3 months of age to go outside 4-8 times a day. As for children over 6 months, they will go out 2-3 times / day is also very normal.
However, if you see that your child has unusual signs like the following, parents need to pay close attention because it is possible that the baby is having diarrhea:
Newborns go outside a lot with more frequency than usual.
The child's stool is liquid or very liquid, thin, even water-only, and the color changes, the smell is fishy or smelly.
If an infant has severe diarrhea from a gastrointestinal infection, the stool can also contain blood. Accompanying that the baby shows signs of discomfort, fussy crying, poor feeding, may or may not be fever, vomiting.
The signs of diarrhea that babies need to be aware of
How to treat diarrhea when babies are born for parents
As soon as it is determined that the infant shows signs of diarrhea, parents should immediately bring the baby to the medical facility to be examined and treated by a specialist, not to give the child medication. danger to the health of the child.
Assoc.Prof.Dr.BS Le Bach Mai - Former Deputy Director of National Institute of Nutrition said that after being examined and treated as prescribed by a doctor, parents need to take care of the baby according to the following steps:
First, to avoid dehydration , mothers need to breastfeed more to make up for the lost water.
Drink about 50-100ml of Oresol water after each visit as directed by your doctor.
- Clean hands before feeding and after changing diapers.
When there are signs of diarrhea, the mother needs to rehydrate the baby through breastfeeding
The secret to taking care of your baby for the best prevention of diarrhea in the first year of life
During the first year of life, a child's digestive system and immune system are still very young. Scientific child care , ensuring safety and hygiene is an important factor to help newborn babies prevent diseases, especially diarrhea.
Strict adherence to the following ways will help parents effectively prevent diarrhea for their children such as:
- Make sure your baby is breastfed for the first 6 months of life.
- Give your baby a reasonable nutrition for each month of age.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching your baby.
- Always clean baby's bottles, eating utensils and toys.
- If the baby is in the stage of sucking his hand, he should regularly clean his hands.
When to see a doctor?
Parents need to take their child to the nearest medical center if the child shows signs:
Children have diarrhea for more than 3 days, with suspected cholera.
Vomiting a lot.
Abdominal pain or fussy crying.
Symptoms of dehydration.
Constant high fever of over 38.5 degrees C
Sputum blood.
Diarrhea is one of the diseases that is not difficult to cure, but it has a rapid and dangerous progression. Therefore, parents need to understand the above signs as well as ways to prevent them to ensure that your baby is always healthy.
See more:
Babies with diarrhea are different from children with diarrhea and helpful advice for parents
The best way to take care of a newborn with diarrhea for parents
Signs of children with digestive disorders - 4 signs that parents should not be ignored