Teething & Diarrea
Like many other issues, it is still unsure in the medical world as to whether diarrea is linked to teething in any way. Lots of parents will mention that diarrea is present at the same time their baby’s first teeth are starting to show.
There are many factors to consider with teething and diarrea, the most prominent would be the child’s immunity level that they receive from their mother will be decreasing at around this same time, as the child starts to rely on their own immune system.
Secondly, if you’re a parent you’ll know that when a baby teethes, they put all manner of objects into their mouths to help comfort themselves. This can add to more germs entering the body via the hands or other objects they have had in their mouths.
Another theory is due to the increase in saliva that the baby produces during teething times. Producing lots of saliva can cause stools to pass through the intestines a lot faster than usual thus causing diarrea. The stools your baby passes can contain food-digesting enzymes and more acid that can cause a rash on the baby’s bottom.
If your baby’s has a rash from the diarrea it is wise to give frequent nappy changes, don’t leave the baby in the dirty nappy any longer than necessary. Your baby’s urine can sting the areas of the bottom that has a rash and will be very uncomfortable for them. If you can, let your baby run free without a nappy so they can get air to the rash.
If possible, use fragrance free wipes on your babies bottom if you have to use a wipe at all. Otherwise a damp cloth that you can wash afterwards will feel more soothing to your child. Fill a bowl with water and dip the cloth in and rinse, then dab onto the sore areas of the bottom.
While teething and diarrea are not completely linked medically, if you talk to the parents, the common story you will hear is that their child experienced diarrea at the time of teething. If you child is vomiting as well as passing stools more than 8 times a day, it is advised to contact your doctor.
