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My baby has diarrhoea, how should I manage it?.
A
It is important to define
what you mean as diarrhoea. This is because most babies can have more loose
poohs at some point. However, if you baby is passing frequent very watery poohs
at each nappy change and it smells offensive, your baby could have an infection
of the digestive system called gastroenteritis. The diarrhoea can often be accompanied
by vomiting (your baby being sick)
It is important to keep
your eye on your baby if they have diarrhoea and vomiting. This is because young
babies can very quickly become dehydrated due to the fluids they are loosing
from the frequent diarrhoea and vomiting. When a baby becomes dehydrated they
may be lethargic (floppy, drowsy) or irritable and their fontanel (or the soft
spot on the top of their head) may have become sunken.
The current guidelines from
the National Institute of Clinical Excellence state that you should contact
your GP or health visitor urgently for advice if your child has passed six or
more bouts of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours, or if your baby has vomited three
times or more in the past 24 hours.
If you suspect your baby
may have a mild form of diarrhoea you will still need to do the following:
- Make sure you wash your
hands regularly but particular after each nappy change. This will stop the
spread of infection.
- Use one towel for your
baby and don’t use this towel for other members of the family
- Keep on breast or bottle
feeding your baby even if they are being sick – they may be absorbing
small amounts but every little helps.
- Try to give extra cool
boiled water in between feeds
- You can also give your
baby oral re-hydration fluids in between feeds. See your pharmacist or health
visitor for advice on what to buy and dosage.
- Always Inform your GP
if the condition continuous up to 24 hours or if you are concerned about your
child.
health visitor
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