There's a lot to tell about diarrhoea. The most important point to watch for is DEHYDRATION. Be aware of any or all of the following observations:

Not enough wet nappies. Minimum 5 dripping wet nappies every 24 hrs is normal;
Weight stabilization or weight loss;
No tear production and/or hollow eyes;
The baby lacks a lively impression, doesn't look good;
Low muscle tone;
Hastened pulse;
Has sunken fontanels;
Dry mouth with little or no formation of saliva.

For babies under two months of age with diarrhoea it's urgent to seek medical attention!

We can speak of diarrhoea when:
- The baby has watery stools more then 3 or 4 times a day for bottlefed babies
- When the stool colour is yellow, or light brown or green;
- When the baby cries due to intestinal cramps;
- When the buttocks also become irritated causing a nappy rash.

Breastfed babies with diarrhoea:
Diarrhoea doesn't happen often by breastfed babies. A breastfed baby usually has, without any problem, several stools per day. These stools may be light yellow to green in colour. Green stools may be an indication of not enough food. The cause of colour differentiations can be due to bile.
As long as there are enough wet nappies and there is enough weight gain, everything's fine. When the stools are black, or there are signs of blood in the stool, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.

What can be done against diarrhea?

As long as your baby keeps growing give only one breast each time you're feeding, to prevent overfeeding;

If you suspect a shortcoming of fluids, give about 50ml. sugar-salt solution per breastfeeding. Continue until the diarrhoea has really improved.

With serious diarrhoea provide the sugar-salt solution also between feeds, as much as your child will take, 50ml per hour is the aim.

Avoid using fruit juices for mother and child.

Avoid using laxative substances for the mother.

 

Recipe sugar-salt solution:
1 Liter water
3.5 grams of salt (approx 1 flat teaspoon)
40 grams sugar (4 level spoons) OR 
    20 grams glucose (3 level spoons Dextro-M) OR
    20 grams dextrine maltose (faltomal, 8 measures)

For the taste you may add something like a little roosvise. In some countries you can buy ready made formula. (ORS, Dioralyte, Frisomed, Orisel Junior)