HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Frequent Loose Stools In A Child?

default
Posted on Wed, 15 Feb 2017
Question: Hi dr. My 5.5 month old baby is doing loose stools from 3-4 days. Earlier he used to pass motion once a day. But now he is passing loose stools around 3-4 times a day. He is on breast milk and formula milk both. Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It's normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Can understand your concerns.

A 5 month old baby can pass stools once in 4 to 5 days or can pass stools 3 to 4 times in a day. Both these things are normal.

The stools should not be watery and should not be foul smelling. There should be no other symptoms like fever, decreased activity or pain abdomen.

It is usually seen that babies who are on formula milk have more chances of increased frequency of loose stools. I suggest you to give more breast milk to the baby and give formula milk in very limited amount and only when you feel that breast milk is not sufficient for baby. .

If the frequency of loose stools persist for 5 to 6 days then you should get the child examined by a doctor. If the loose tools persists, then there are chances of stomach infection.

I hope this will help you.
Wishing your child good health. Take care.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepak Patel

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 1304 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Frequent Loose Stools In A Child?

Brief Answer: It's normal Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. Can understand your concerns. A 5 month old baby can pass stools once in 4 to 5 days or can pass stools 3 to 4 times in a day. Both these things are normal. The stools should not be watery and should not be foul smelling. There should be no other symptoms like fever, decreased activity or pain abdomen. It is usually seen that babies who are on formula milk have more chances of increased frequency of loose stools. I suggest you to give more breast milk to the baby and give formula milk in very limited amount and only when you feel that breast milk is not sufficient for baby. . If the frequency of loose stools persist for 5 to 6 days then you should get the child examined by a doctor. If the loose tools persists, then there are chances of stomach infection. I hope this will help you. Wishing your child good health. Take care.