How to Prevent Infant Diarrhea

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Wash hands frequently.

   All caregivers should practice diligent hand washing and you should also wash the infant's hands.
   
   Always wash hands after changing or adjusting diapers and before and after food preparation.
   
   This can help stop the spread of viruses and bacterial infections.
   
   Run warm water.
   
   Moisten hands, and rub with soap for at least 15 seconds.
   
   Rinse with warm water.
2. 2

   Step 2: Keep home surfaces clean.

   Diarrhea is highly contagious.
   
   A person experiencing diarrhea could touch a surface that you or the baby may touch.
   
   You can easily spread diarrhea causing viruses or bacteria by touching your baby's face or mouth.
   
   Babies also like to put their fingers and hands into their mouths.
   
   Disinfect kitchen counters and appliances, bathroom fixtures and changing areas daily.
   
   Clean baby toys regularly.
   
   This is especially important if other children have touched the toys. , Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in babies and small children.
   
   A pediatrician's office will usually administer the multi-dose oral vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. , Juices can loosen stools and cause or worsen diarrhea.
   
   Infants should not drink more than 4 oz. (118.3 ml) of juice daily. , If you mix infant formula with too much or not enough water, it can cause diarrhea in infants.
   
   Be precise when you measure how much formula and water to use.
   
   Double check the directions on the formula package if you switch brands or need to use a new formula temporarily to make sure you use the correct amount of water. , You can feed infants over 6 months old dairy products made from whole milk, but you should not feed younger infants yogurt.
   
   The live cultures can help decrease the length and severity of a diarrheal episode. , Diarrhea may occur if your baby has a reaction or intolerance to a specific food or foods.
   
   Introduce solid foods 1 at a time.
   
   Wait 3 days to see if the baby shows any adverse reactions.
   
   Note which foods the baby does not tolerate well or any foods that cause an allergic reaction in the baby.
   
   You can have a pediatrician or allergist follow up with allergy testing to confirm your observations.
   
   Stop feeding these foods to the baby.
   
   Cut trigger foods from your diet if you are a breastfeeding mother as allergens in your diet may affect the baby. , These beverages are linked to diarrhea in babies.
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   Step 3: Make sure the baby receives the rotavirus vaccine.

4. 4

   Step 4: Cut down on the amount of juice the baby drinks.

5. 5

   Step 5: Follow directions carefully when mixing formula.

6. 6

   Step 6: Add yogurt with live cultures to the baby's diet.

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   Step 7: Identify food intolerances or allergies.

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   Step 8: Limit the amount of coffee

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   Step 9: and herbal teas you drink if you are breastfeeding.

Detailed Guide

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