What Do Frequent Bowel Movements In A Child Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 10 Mar 2017

Question: Hello Doctor,
My son is 12 month old. Since last few days his bowl movment been increased. He was used to pass stool twice a d
ay but now he is passing four times per day. Is it normal or sign of any diarrhea.

He is not vomiting but stool is loose not waterly.

Also suggest balanced diet for him.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is not diarrhea - do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi...this is not diarrhea. Do not worry.

Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry.

Regarding diet -

As the kid is already one year old the principle is to give - FAMILY POT FEEDING - that means whatever you cook for yourselves - you need to feed the kid. Only thing is palatability which is subjective for each kid.

Other home-made food options will be -
1. Daal and rice well cooked and made into a porridge along with ghee
2. Boiled apple or banana and mashed into a paste.
3. Any made cereal porridge preparation with additional ghee added.

Remember certain principles like -
1. Add one food material / cereal or fruit per week. This will be useful because if he develops vomiting or diarrhoea, we will know what to avoid.
2. Add vegetables and fruits made into a paste or directly to avoid constipation.
3. Do not add too much sugar as it may cause diarrhoea.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (24 minutes later)

Thanks for reply.
But after 1-2 hours of every meal he is passing stool.
is it normal?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is common - you need not worry if the kid's weight is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi....this is normal. You need not worry if the kid's weight is normal.

What is his date of birth and current weight and height?

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana