I am wondering if there is anything more I can do for my little guy. He has had diarrhea since Wednesday. I think that it is due to the introduction of a new food (millet) on Monday...so I haven't given him anymore. He had been breastfeeding frequently. He is his happy normal self, so I haven't felt too concerned. Is there anything more I could be doing?
Hi H.,
With vomitting or diarrhea you need to be concerned with fluid and electrolyte loss. You can use an oral rehydration solution (pedialyte or make your own).
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/par...
I wouldn't doubt your theory about the millet. Sounds likely.
Good luck,
: ) Maureen
A anti-diarrhea is to use rice-water: you boil a handful of rice in a quart or so of water and when the rice is soft you strain out the rice, let the water cool, and then you can drink the water in sips. It provides liquid and the rice extract has binding qualities. When kids are bigger (or adults) our doctor recommends the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast for when one has diarrhea. We all used it 2 years ago when we had the flu and it works.
As long as he is happy, not lethargic and has no fever he should be fine. If his lips look dry, I would give him some water, but since you are breastfeeding, he may just need to feed a little more. If the diarrhea lasts more than another few days and gets worse, I would call your pediatrician just to make sure you don't need to bring him in.
Hi H.,
Just make sure that you are giving him plenty of liquids. We went through the same thing and the doctor told us it could last 3 to 4 weeks. She told us just top make sure she got plenty of fluids. wWe found out it was a combination of cutting teeth and the stomach bug that was going around.
Just make sure he stays hydrated...his eyes/mouth should look moist and make sure he is urinating frquently (at least once every six hours). My oldest son went through that for 3 weeks straight when he was about 3 months old -- other than the diarrhea, he was fine as well. He ended up with his bottom two teeth about 2 weeks after it stopped. It could be anything. I'd give your pediatrician a call just to make sure they are aware of the situation.
I wouldn't worry too much as long as everything else is checking out ok with him! (i.e. no fever, crankiness, etc.) Is it possible that he is teething? sometimes diarrhea can be a symptom of teething.
