How to Tell if Your Newborn Has Diarrhea

Co-authored by Roy Nattiv, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 6, 2021 References

Diarrhea is defined as frequent bouts of water or loose stool.^{[1]
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MedlinePlus
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Go to source} However, newborns generally have stool that is pretty frequent and fairly watery, so determining when they have diarrhea can be tough. We've compiled a list of some common signs of diarrhea in infants so you can keep your baby healthy and happy.

1

Look for a change in frequency.

If they’re going more often than usual, it could be diarrhea. Breastfed babies normally pass more than 6 stools per day, while formula-fed babies can range from 1 to 8 stools per day. If you notice that your baby is passing stool much more frequently than they used to, they might have diarrhea.^{[2]
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- If your baby passes stool more than once during a feeding, it could also indicate diarrhea.

2

Watch for a change in color.

Normal stools can range from yellow to green to brown. Formula-fed babies usually have pale stools that might look more like peanut butter, while breastfed babies usually have yellow or yellow-green stool. If you notice that your baby’s stool changes color all of the sudden, it could indicate diarrhea.^{[3]
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- If you’re switching from breastfeeding to formula or vice versa, you might notice a color change, which is completely normal.

3

Check to see if the stool is looser than usual.

Watery stools usually indicate diarrhea. Babies often have runny, peanut butter-like stools. If you notice that your baby’s stools have gotten much runnier very quickly, they might be having diarrhea.^{[4]
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- Watery stools usually cause a huge mess. You might notice that you’re changing your baby’s clothing more often than usual.

4

Pay attention to changes in smell.

An intense, powerful smell usually means it’s diarrhea. While stool is generally pretty stinky, take note if your child’s stool smells much more intensely than normal. This is especially true if the change happens all of the sudden or within a day.^{[5]
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5

Look for mucus or blood in the stool.

This means that your baby is having diarrhea. If you notice any green, snot-like liquids or reddish, brownish liquid in your baby’s stool, it can be a cause for concern. Call your doctor to ask about your baby’s symptoms and see what you should do next.^{[6]
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- If your baby’s stool is black, call your doctor right away.^{[7]
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6

Watch for abdominal pain.

Your baby’s stomach might hurt if they have diarrhea. If your baby is crying and nothing seems to make it feel better, they might have a stomach ache. This is especially true if their pain doesn’t go away after they pass stool.^{[8]
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7

Monitor your baby’s eating habits.

Poor eating can be a sign of diarrhea. If they aren’t as interested in food as they normally are, they could be having stomach issues. Your baby might also be sick if they’re sleeping more often than usual and you have to wake them up to eat.^{[9]
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- Most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours.^{[10]
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8

Check for a fever.

A temperature of 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher could mean diarrhea. Take your baby’s temperature to double check—for newborns, the normal range is anywhere between 97 °F (36 °C) to 100.3 °F (37.9 °C). If your baby does have a fever, call your doctor right away.^{[11]
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- A fever can be a sign of an infection, which is why it’s important to call your doctor. However, mild fevers are very rarely dangerous, so you don’t need to be too worried.

9

Watch for signs of dehydration.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration in infants. If you think that your baby has diarrhea and they’re getting dehydrated, call your doctor right away. Symptoms of dehydration in newborns include:^{[12]
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- Irritability
- Poor eating habits
- Weight loss
- Dark urine
- Fast heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Thirst
- Sunken eyes
- Sunken soft spot

10

Call your doctor if the diarrhea lasts more than 3 days.

Most viral infections will clear up on their own. If your baby still has diarrhea after 2 or 3 days, there could be another cause. Often, your doctor will examine your baby’s stool to test for bacteria or parasites. They may also ask you about your baby’s eating habits to see if they have any allergies.^{[13]
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- If your child is lactose-intolerant, they may need a lactose-free formula.^{[14]
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Warnings

If your baby is showing signs of dehydration, call your doctor right away.^{[16]
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