But it is a common malady during infancy and childhood. Fortunately, most cases are mild. On occasion though acute diarrhea can result in dehydration, which can be serious. Knowing what the symptoms are and how to treat it will help you cope. Many new mothers mistake bowel activity for diarrhea.
Breastfed babies tend to pass stools that are yellow, soft or seedy, and frequently watery.
More than four or five bowel movements in a day is not necessarily an indication of diarrhea. It all depends on the individual infant, and it is the changes in the normal pattern that you should watch for. Symptoms Diarrhea is present when there is a change from normal bowel movements to stools that are looser, more watery, and more frequent than normal for your baby. They often have a foul odor. If this is your infant s first case, you should consult your child s physician.