When to Worry: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Every parent gets concerned when their baby’s stool suddenly becomes loose, watery, and more frequent, as this raises many questions and concerns in their mind: Is this normal? Would this stop on its own, or should I call the doctor? and so on. The truth is, diarrhea is a common health condition in babies, and it often clears up on its own. 

A child is said to have diarrhea when they pass three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or more than what is normal for the baby.¹ Frequently formed stools, or pasty stools in breastfed babies, are not considered diarrhea.²

In most children, diarrhea is mild and self-limiting. However, there are times when an episode of diarrhea can last much longer or become severe, and that is when it becomes important to consult with your pediatrician to prevent further complications. 

Let’s check out some signs and symptoms that you can look out for when your baby has diarrhea and which could be of concern and a red flag for a visit to your pediatrician. 

When to Worry: Signs You Should Look Out For^1–3 

• Acute diarrhea in babies less than 2 months 

If your baby is under 2 months and has acute diarrhea, contact your pediatrician right away. 

• Diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours 

If your child has frequent loose stools for more than 24 hours, visit your pediatrician and take preventive measures to make sure that the child does not become dehydrated. 

• Diarrhea along with fever 

If your baby has a persistent or high fever along with diarrhea, evaluation from the doctor should be considered. 

• Dehydration 

One of the main risks of diarrhea is dehydration, which occurs due to excessive loss of fluids from the body. 

Watch out closely for any signs and symptoms of dehydration that might be of concern. 

• Dry or few diapers: If the baby passes urine less frequently or in smaller amounts than normal, it may be possible that your baby is dehydrated.
• Skin pinch goes back slowly (>2 sec): Gently pinch the skin on the tummy or back of the hand. If it doesn’t spring back quickly, your baby may be dehydrated.
• Dry eyes or no tears: No tears while the child is crying may indicate dehydration.
• Dry mouth: Check the inside of your baby’s cheeks and tongue. Dry cheeks and tongue suggest dehydration.
• Sunken soft spot: There is a soft spot (fontanelle) on a young baby’s head that needs to be examined. You can softly check your baby’s head for that soft spot. A noticeable dip might suggest underlying dehydration.
• Refusing fluids: If the child is unable to take any fluids despite frequent loose stools and loss of fluids from the body.
• Unusual sleepiness or irritability: If your baby is less active, drowsy, irritable, or not feeding or playing normally.
• Cold extremities: If your baby’s hands and feet are cold to the touch.
• Associated Vomiting 

If the child develops acute vomiting and vomits everything, this could be a sign of concern. 

• Blood in stool 

Immediately consult your doctor if there is blood in the stool of baby. 

• Severe abdominal pain 

If your child experiences more than just mild tummy cramps, such as persistent or intense stomach pain, it could indicate a gut infection or another issue that needs medical evaluation. 

Most cases of diarrhea in babies are mild and get better on their own with proper care and hydration. But if your baby has symptoms like high fever, signs of dehydration, persistent vomiting, or unusual stool color, do not wait; reach out to your pediatrician immediately. 

Keep offering breast milk or supplementary milk, age-appropriate foods, and use oral rehydration solution as advised. Avoid giving any over-the-counter medicines unless prescribed by a doctor.