Is watery stools in my baby normal while breastfeeding?

Question

Hello doctor,

My baby is 5 months old and passing watery stools from second month onwards. Though he is gaining good weight and is a happy baby is always waking up with a smile and achieving all milestones. Now his weight is 17.64 lbs. He is exclusively breastfed and does not have colic.

My concerns are as below:

He is passing loose motions, when he passes it is a blowout and foul smelling, slightly greenish color with watery consistency. This is happening for more than two weeks. He passes motions maximum three to four times a day with moderate and less quantity. He is again not affected with this as weight gain is good with proper feeding and overall activities are fine. The only thing is he is on and off getting mild rashes near the anus area, which we take care by applying dusting power, rash cream, and frequent diaper change keeping the area clean.

Please suggest if passing loose motion is fine by breastfeeding baby and please suggest good rash cream also.

Baby seems to be teething and drools heavily, and always want to chew or put hands or objects in the mouth. He is not very much cranky but from some days he seems to be restless. He does not cry but keeps on shouting a lot. He keeps quite only when he is placed in his stroller and roam around the house. Please let me know what I can do to reduce his drooling and comfort his gums.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please note that the symptoms described by you are absolutely normal and the very fact that it is normal is the weight gain. If at all these were loose motions, such good weight gain would not be possible. Ignore the color and consistency of the stools they keep changing until six months to one year. As regards to the diaper rash, the most common cause of such a rash is the continued use of wet wipes and lesser frequency of nappy change. Take care of the two and your problem is gone.

As regards to the teething, this is also common. The best way out is to buy a teether for the child (rubber type) and place it in a fridge. The cold teether when chewed upon by the child should provide relief.

Thank you.