Infant with Diarrhea

I found this to be the case with both my girls when they were teething - diarrhea is a common side effect of it. Also, he could be adjusting to the new cereal. Are you giving him fruits mixed in or just plain? It could happen either way, and the yellow color is most likely because of the solids. It sounds like it's both things happening at one time! When my youngest, now almost 12 months, was eating baby food and cereal, she had loose stools often, but since she's been on all "people" food, it has been much more solid (I know, it's very graphic!!). I wouldn't worry, but as always, if you are concerned and it's not going away, call the pediatrician! Good luck!

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We had the same issues with both of our girls. Once they started solid foods, they started having more bowel movements and looser ones as well. I would just keep an eye on it, it's probably your little ones digestive system trying to get used to something new, however if it continues to be lose/mucous like, I would talk to your pediatrician and see if there are any recommendations because next it will lead to a bad diaper rash which no one wants. Good luck. :)

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Hi J.,

A few things:
1. Don't worry about the number of times/day he is pooping. Different with every child and within the same child at different times given what and how frequently he is eating.
2. Both of my children had some diarrhea with teething and I've heard it to be completely common--looser stools due to all of the drooling.
3. Not sure about the mucous.
4. When we started rice cereal with our second child, she got diaper rash and had horrible diarrhea. Turns out, although it is supposed to be so gentle and easy to digest, some babies have a slight intolerance to it at first. I switched over to oatmeal and both diarrhea and rash immediately went away. Pediatrician said that it was a bit unusual, but certainly possible. I reintroduced rice to her at 12 months and she has been fine. His little system might be sensitive to the rice and you might be better off trying barley/oatmeal/ or something like that.

Hope this helps. Good luck with it.

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Hi J. - The infant digestive system is not ready for food until they are 6 months old. I'll bet this is your problem - his body can't handle or process it. Try waiting at least 2 months and try again.

What are you using to reconstitute his cereal? Is he eating just cereal or are you mixing fruit too? Is there any reason you are giving him cereal so young? 4 months is a little young to start solid foods. Maybe his little system isn't ready to handle it.

Sounds VERY normal. He may be too young to start solids, but the runny stool and more poop is normal--at least it was when my daughter began solids. More goes in, more has to come out! If he is not in pain or dehydrated, I believe the stool issue should be fine. I have seen poop in all different shades of yellow, orange, red and the mucus is normal, especially if he may be runny nose/drooling. When my daughter is teething she has a diaper rash or runny stool, too. Not to worry, but of course you can easy your mind with a pedi call.

Occasionally, yes my son had the same problem. I heard that starting off with barley is best, can't remember why though. Could be that too.

Hi J. P,

The mucus is namely from all the drool he's swallowing. My son does the same. You might want to hold off the rice cereal since 4 months is really young for his digestive system.

E. P.

Hi,
Its been a few years since my daughter got her teeth but I do remember her having diarrhea when she was. As for the mucus, maybe you should call your doctor. Hope this helps!
-A.