Baby's Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for New Formula Transition

Gastrointestinal tract

Hello, doctor.
My baby is 6 months old and has been having issues since we switched to "Jin Ke Bei Ke" formula.
Since the change, his stools have been loose, sometimes thick and yellow.
When he was on "S-26," his stools were normal and soft.
Recently, he has had diarrhea; sometimes, when he passes gas, watery stools come out.
Is this considered diarrhea? (Before switching formulas, he had one bowel movement a day, but now it's 1-2 times a day, and in the past few days, it has been 2 times.
If I count the watery stools that come out with gas, it could be 3-4 times.)
We recently had relatives visiting, and they fed my baby various foods.
My mother-in-law suggested that he might be having diarrhea because he ate something too oily that day and advised me to wait a few days to see if it improves.
Previously, relatives brought rice flour, but my baby doesn’t eat it, so I didn’t prepare it.
However, in the days leading up to the diarrhea, my mother-in-law insisted I shouldn’t waste it and suggested adding a small amount of rice flour to his formula, which could also be a reason for his diarrhea.

When I was considering switching from "S-26," I consulted a pharmacist who mentioned that "S-26" is sweeter due to added sucrose, while "Jin Ke Bei Ke" is less sweet and contains lactose, which is better for babies.
They suggested that my baby might need time to adjust, and I was advised to reduce the amount of the new formula by half a scoop to see if it helps.
I did reduce it, but my baby still has loose stools (he has consumed almost two cans of the new formula without improvement).
I mix rice flour into his milk, currently using 2.5 scoops of formula and 1.5 scoops of rice flour in 200cc of milk.
Could it be that he is not adjusting to the rice flour, or should I switch back to "S-26"?
Additionally, he has been sleeping poorly lately, often waking up crying and refusing to take the pacifier unless I pick him up and soothe him.
He wakes up several times a night.
Could this be due to the heat? I’m concerned that using a fan might cause him to catch a cold.
Should I take him to see a doctor?

Hui Di, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/02/24

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Diarrhea is defined as an increase in the water content and frequency of stools, so the baby is experiencing diarrhea.
Infants may not adapt well to newly introduced formula or solid foods, and it is common to see diarrhea or rashes within 2-3 days.
It is advisable to stop feeding and, if necessary, wait until the baby is older to try again.
In fact, as long as the formula is from a reputable brand that has been approved by the health department for infant consumption, it is generally safe.
The most important factor is whether the baby can adapt without experiencing diarrhea or rashes.
Therefore, it is recommended to switch back to the original "S-26" formula; if the stool improves, it indicates that the baby was not adapting well to the new formula.

Crying at night is mostly due to night terrors (commonly referred to as having nightmares), but if the crying persists, consider other factors such as hunger, a wet diaper, fever, or even other conditions (such as intussusception or foreign objects in the ear or nose).
It is advisable to consult a pediatrician regarding your baby's situation.

Reply Date: 2009/02/24

More Info

When transitioning a baby to a new formula, it is not uncommon to encounter gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, especially if the baby is experiencing a sudden change in diet. In your case, it seems that your baby has developed loose stools after switching to the "金可貝可" formula from "S-26." This change in stool consistency can indeed be concerning, and it is essential to understand the potential causes and solutions.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that formula changes can lead to digestive disturbances. Each formula has a different composition, including varying types and amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The "金可貝可" formula may contain different ingredients that your baby’s digestive system is not yet accustomed to, leading to diarrhea. Additionally, the introduction of new foods, such as the 麥粉 (malt powder) that you mentioned, can also contribute to gastrointestinal upset. If your baby is not used to these new ingredients, it may take time for their digestive system to adjust, which can manifest as diarrhea or loose stools.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of overfeeding or introducing too many new foods at once. If your relatives have been feeding your baby various foods, this could overwhelm their digestive system, especially if those foods are rich or oily. Babies have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes in diet can lead to symptoms like diarrhea.
In terms of the frequency of bowel movements, it is normal for babies to have varying patterns, especially when transitioning to a new formula. However, if your baby is having more than three watery stools a day, it may be classified as diarrhea. Diarrhea in infants can lead to dehydration, so it is crucial to monitor your baby’s hydration status. Signs of dehydration include decreased urine output, dry mouth, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Regarding the suggestion to reduce the formula amount, this can be a good approach to help your baby adjust to the new formula gradually. Mixing the new formula with the old one in smaller amounts can help ease the transition. If the diarrhea persists despite these adjustments, it may be wise to revert to the "S-26" formula, which your baby tolerated well previously.

As for your baby’s sleep disturbances, this could be related to several factors, including discomfort from gastrointestinal issues, teething, or even environmental factors like temperature. Babies often wake up more frequently when they are uncomfortable or in pain. If you suspect that the heat might be affecting your baby, consider adjusting the room temperature or using a fan to circulate air without directly blowing on the baby.
In conclusion, it is advisable to monitor your baby closely for any signs of dehydration and to consult a pediatrician if the diarrhea continues or worsens. They can provide specific guidance tailored to your baby's needs and help determine whether a return to the previous formula or a different approach is necessary. Additionally, if your baby’s sleep issues persist, a healthcare professional can help identify the underlying causes and suggest appropriate interventions.

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