There are large variations in the number of stools babies pass each day; from once in three days to fifteen times a day. Many breastfed newborns may pass stools up to 10 to 12 times a day but they are otherwise healthy, happy and gaining weight. On the other hand babies who are on cow, buffalo or formula milk may be constipated or at least pass less number of stools than breast fed babies. Many breastfeeding mothers whose babies pass frequent stools mistakenly consider this as diarrhea but this is, in fact, a very normal phenomenon and there is no reason to feel alarmed. Many babies pass stools as soon as they have consumed milk. Some mothers think that the milk just consumed has come out in the potty. They are wrong-this is again a very normal phenomenon and is known as gastro colic reflex. Sometimes babies who pass motion frequently and are not cleaned properly develop redness around their anus. Clean the part well with a wet cotton wool each time baby passes potty and it will disappear gradually .Your Pediatrician may write a mild steroid cream.
Although real diarrhea is rarely a problem, it is potentially dangerous in infants. The major concern is rapid fluid loss resulting in dehydration. You must contact a Doctor if your baby has following features :