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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 :
· The baby is looking ill
· Is not gaining weight
· Is passing scanty urine
· Has Dry lips & tongue
· Has gray skin color
· Has rapid breathing & pulse rate
· Has sunken eyes or anterior fontanel (the baby’s
soft pot)
· Stools contain mucous or blood .
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