Last updated: Nov 14, 2025Published on: Nov 14, 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
It is natural for parents to feel anxious when their baby passes frequent watery stools. However, loose motion (diarrhoea) is quite common in infants and young children and, in most cases, is not a cause for serious concern. It often occurs due to mild infections or dietary changes1. Note that with the right care, most babies recover quickly at home.
In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of loose motion in babies, symptoms to watch for, safe and effective baby loose motion home remedies, diet tips to help your baby recover faster, and when it is important to consult a doctor.
Normal Stool Patterns in Babies
The normal stool pattern (its volume, frequency, and consistency) varies depending on a child’s age, weight, and diet. For example2:
Young infants may have up to 3 to 12 stools per day, especially those who are breastfed, as breast milk promotes more frequent bowel movements.
Older infants, toddlers, and children typically have one to two bowel movements per day.
Important: Consistency and colour also matter. While it is normal for young babies (especially breastfed ones) to have soft, sometimes yellow, green, or brown stools with a “seedy” appearance, watery, runny, blood or mucus-filled stools represent a significant change that should be monitored and consulted with a doctor.
What is Loose Motion in Babies?
Loose motion, or diarrhoea, refers to the passage of loose or watery stools more frequently than usual.Remember, baby loose motion is not a disease in itself but a symptom of various underlying conditions2.
In infants: An increase in stool frequency to twice the usual number per day, or noticeably looser, watery stools.
In older children: Three or more loose or watery stools per day.
Note: Although most cases of baby loose motion resolve on their own, it can sometimes lead to dehydration causing loss of water and essential electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and chloride). This imbalance can be serious if not managed promptly, so understanding the signs and providing timely care is crucial2.
Common Causes of Loose Motion
Most babies experience loose motions at some point, and while it is often mild, parents should know what is causing it:
Viral Infections (Most Common Cause): Viral infections are the leading cause of loose motions in infants and children and can occur year-round.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial diarrhoea often occurs in areas with unsafe drinking water or poor sanitation.
Parasitic Infections: Parasitic infections are less common but could lead to prolonged diarrhoea lasting weeks or months.
Antibiotic-Associated Loose Motions: Some babies may develop diarrhoea as a side effect of antibiotics (either from medicines given directly to them or taken by the breastfeeding mother). This happens because antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.
Dietary Changes: Changes in diet, either in the baby’s formula or the mother’s diet (if breastfeeding), can temporarily upset the baby’s digestive system. Similarly, introducing new foods during weaning or switching milk types may cause mild diarrhoea as the baby’s gut adjusts2.
Urinary tract infections: Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of urinary infections in small children. It occurs due to the systemic effect of infection causing gastroenteritis. If loose motions occur along with other vague symptoms, a urine analysis should be done to rule out UTI3.
Food Allergies and Intolerances: Some babies may have allergic reactions or intolerances to certain foods or ingredients. Common triggers include cow’s milk protein, soy, lactose (milk sugar), and occasionally gluten. These reactions may lead to loose motions, bloating, gas, or fussiness after feeding. Persistent symptoms may indicate lactose intolerance or cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), which requires medical evaluation and dietary adjustments4.
Rare Medical Conditions: Occasionally, persistent diarrhoea may indicate an underlying medical condition such as cystic fibrosis, lactose intolerance, digestive enzyme deficiencies or malabsorption syndromes. These require medical evaluation, especially if loose motions last for weeks or recur frequently2,4.
Note: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic diarrhoeas are all highly contagious. Infections spread mainly through the stool-hand-mouth route, especially during diaper changes or poor hand hygiene2. Thus, it is important to maintain good hygiene as it helps prevent the spread within the household or daycare.
Signs and Symptoms
In babies, it can be tricky to tell what is normal since newborn stools are naturally soft and frequent, sometimes occurring after every feeding2. However, your baby may have diarrhoea if you notice4:
Sudden increase in stool frequency
Watery, loose, or mucus-filled stools
Change in stool appearance or smell (may be foul or greasy)
Abdominal pain, distension, colic, or cramping
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or chills (common in infections)
Excessive crying and irritability.
Side Effects of Loose Motion in Babies
Dehydration is one of the most serious complications of diarrhoea in infants and young children, especially those under 3 years old.
Fewer wet diapers than usual (no urination for 3 hours or more)
Dry mouth or cracked lips
No tears when crying
Sunken eyes, cheeks, or fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
Dry skin that does not spring back after being pinched
Extreme tiredness, irritability, or lethargy
Prolonged baby loose motion can even interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to malabsorption. Common symptoms include4:
Bloating and excessive gas
Loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools
Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits
Failure to gain weight or weight loss
Home Remedies for Loose Motion in Babies
Loose motion usually gets better with simple care at home. The main goal of how to stop loose motion for babies is to keep your baby hydrated, nourished, and comfortable while their tummy recovers. Below are some safe and gentle baby loose motion home remedies:
1. Keep Your Baby Well Hydrated
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Dehydration is the biggest concern during loose motions. Thus, offer fluids frequently.
Continue breastfeeding as often as possible. For formula-fed babies, continue regular formula unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
You can also offer ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) in small, frequent sips, after confirming the appropriate amount with your doctor based on your baby’s age.
Avoid giving fruit juices (especially sweetened), coffee, or soft drinks, as these can worsen diarrhoea or cause further dehydration5.
2. Use ORS as the Main Rehydration Solution
Use WHO/UNICEF-recommended ORS to replace lost salts and water.
Prepare it with clean, boiled, and cooled water as directed on the packet6.
The amount of ORS needed depends on your child’s body weight and severity of dehydration.
Offer the solution slowly. Give one teaspoon (5 mL) every one to two minutes using a spoon or oral syringe, or as much as your child can comfortably tolerate2.
Do not give antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medicines unless prescribed by a doctor1,2.
These can cause side effects or worsen the condition.
Most diarrhoea cases are viral and resolve naturally with hydration and feeding7.
Diet During Loose Motions
Proper feeding during loose motions is important to help your baby recover faster and prevent weakness or malnutrition. If you are wondering how to control loose motion in babies, you should continue to feed your child as recommended for their age (even if they are sick) and ensure they get enough fluids along with nutritious, easily digestible foods5.
Age Group
Feeding Advice
Recommended Foods
Up to 6 months
• Exclusively breastfeed. • Offer breast milk as often as the baby wants, day and night (at least 8-12 times in 24 hrs). • Do not give any other foods or fluids.
Only breast milk
6 months to 12 months
• Continue breastfeeding. • Introduce soft, easily digestible foods. • Offer small, frequent meals. Feed 3 times a day if breastfed or 5 timesper day if not breastfed.
• Undiluted sweetened milk with mashed roti/rice. • Thick dal with added oil and mashed roti/rice/khichdi with vegetables • Sevian, dalia, halwa, or kheer with milk • Mashed, boiled, or fried potatoes without spices • Banana, sapota, mango, or papaya as snacks
12 months to 24 months
• Continue breastfeeding. • Offer soft, energy-rich foods. • Encourage eating even during illness. Feed 5 times per day.
• Thick dal with oil and mashed roti/rice/khichdi with vegetables • Undiluted sweetened milk with mashed roti/rice. • Sevian, dalia, halwa, or kheer with milk • Mashed potatoes without spices • Fruits like banana, sapota, mango, papaya
Above 24 months
• Offer regular family meals and healthy snacks. • Ensure foods are soft, mild, and nutritious. Feed 5 times per day.
• Family foods that are non-spicy • Energy-rich, easily digestible dishes • Soft fruits and vegetables
Additional Tips
Continue breastfeeding and feeding in recommended amounts even if the child is ill.
For 6 to 11-month-olds, sit the baby on your lap and feed gently.
When your baby has loose motions, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of dehydration or infection:
Maintain good hand hygiene before feeding and after diaper changes1,8.
Avoid giving raw fruits/vegetables or street food5.
Keep Utensils and bottles properly cleaned and dried5,8.
Let the child rest adequately but continue normal feeding5.
Prepare formula and foods only with safe, clean water to avoid infections2,5.
Do not dilute your baby’s formula or cow milk. Always prepare it at the regular recommended strength7.
Do not forget to change diapers often and apply a gentle barrier cream to prevent rashes1. Do not use powders.
Keep track of urine output and watch for signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy)6.
Prevention Tips for Future
Preventing baby loose motion largely depends on maintaining good hygiene, safe feeding practices, and ensuring your child consumes clean, age-appropriate food and water.
Ensure safe weaning practices: Introduce solid foods gradually and avoid giving undercooked or spicy items5.
Check food freshness: Always use freshly cooked meals and store leftovers properly to prevent contamination.
Encourage breastfeeding: Continue breastfeeding, as it supports immunity and protects against infections5.
Stay updated on vaccines: Make sure your baby’s rotavirus, typhoid and other recommended vaccines are up to date2.
When to See a Doctor?
You should contact your child’s doctor right away if you notice any of the following1,9:
Diarrhoea in an infant younger than 3months
Black, bloody, or mucus-filled stools
Frequent or forceful vomiting
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
Any abnormal movements
Lethargy or irritability
Signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, no tears while crying, no wet diapers for 6 hours or more, sunken eyes or soft spot, dry skin, or unusual sleepiness)
If your baby’s loose motion lasts more than 2 to 3 days without improvement, seek help as soon as possible1.
Loose motions in babies and young children are common but should never be ignored, especially if they persist or are accompanied by signs of dehydration or weakness.
Most cases are mild and can be safely managed at home with proper hydration, gentle foods, and good hygiene. However, prompt medical attention is essential if symptoms worsen or the child is very young. Remember, with timely care, safe feeding practices, and preventive hygiene, most children recover quickly and stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does loose motion last in babies?
Mild loose motion usually lasts 2 to 3 days and improves with proper hydration and feeding1. If it continues for more or worsens, consult your paediatrician.
What can I feed my baby during loose motion?
Continue breastfeeding or formula as usual. For older babies, offer soft, easy-to-digest foods like mashed banana, rice gruel, boiled potatoes, moong dal, curd, or applesauce. Avoid sugary drinks, fried foods, or high-fibre foods1,5.
Can teething cause loose motion?
Teething itself does not directly cause diarrhoea, but babies tend to put objects in their mouths, increasing the risk of mild infections that may lead to loose stools10.Therefore, it’s important to maintain good hygiene and clean teething toys regularly.
Can overfeeding cause diarrhoea in babies?
Overfeeding, especially formula or solids, can upset the baby’s digestive system and lead to watery stools11. Therefore, feed small, frequent meals appropriate for your baby’s age.
What colour diarrhoea is bad for babies?
You should seek medical help if your baby’s stool is black, red, white, or contains mucus or blood2,9.These colours may indicate bleeding, infection, or liver problems and need prompt evaluation.
Vandenplas Y, Hauser B, Salvatore S. Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infancy: Impact on the Health of the Infant and Family. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2019 May;22(3):207-216. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6506429/
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