With rising temperatures and humid air in recent days, bacteria and viruses are thriving, often triggering illnesses like diarrhea and colds. Doctors remind parents that mild diarrhea in babies can resolve quickly with proper diet and care. However, moderate to severe cases require prompt medical attention—delaying treatment can worsen the condition.
Viral Diarrhea Prevalent in Winter and Spring
Based on recent pediatric cases at Foshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, most infants first present with vomiting, followed shortly by increased stool frequency. Stools are typically yellow or yellow-green, resembling scrambled eggs, without mucus, pus, or foul odor.Severe cases may present dehydration symptoms such as pronounced thirst, reduced urine output, and restlessness.
Dr. Wen Yongzhao from the hospital's pediatrics department explains that winter and spring diarrhea is often caused by viral infections, with rotavirus being the most common culprit. Other factors include older children overeating or consuming diverse foods during the Spring Festival, compounded by fluctuating temperatures that disrupt gastrointestinal function. For infants, hygiene issues like inadequate bottle sterilization or poor hand hygiene are primary causes.
Dr. Wen emphasized that recurrent diarrhea in children is generally manageable as long as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are prevented. However, persistent symptoms lasting over a week warrant serious attention. "Diarrhea itself isn't fatal, but dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by it can be. If your baby has diarrhea, parents must proactively rehydrate them—don't wait until the child complains of thirst to offer fluids."
Care: Reduce Portion Sizes, Increase Meal Frequency
Dietary management is crucial during infant diarrhea. Some parents mistakenly believe fasting is necessary to "rest" the digestive tract."In reality, excessive fasting during diarrhea can impair normal gastrointestinal secretion. The scientific approach is to reduce portion sizes per feeding while increasing the number of meals. Choose easily digestible foods like rice water or noodles to minimize gastrointestinal burden. Avoid feeding vegetables, fruits, or high-sugar foods containing coarse fiber."
To prevent infant diarrhea, hand hygiene is paramount.Older children should be taught to wash hands before meals and after using the toilet. For breastfed infants, mothers should cleanse breasts with warm water before feeding. For formula-fed babies, ensure feeding utensils and bottles are sterilized. Maintain regular meal times and portions, along with consistent sleep schedules. A well-fed, well-rested baby builds stronger immunity, naturally resisting bacterial and viral infections.