Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Diarrhea in Babies Under 12 Months

Diarrhea in a baby means stools become clearly more frequent or watery than what is normal for that baby. Normal baby stools are often loose, so the change from the baby’s usual pattern matters.

Viruses are a common cause. Bacterial infections, antibiotics, food reactions and other digestive conditions can also cause diarrhea.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Diarrhea in Babies Under 12 Months

The AAP guide below explains what diarrhea looks like in babies and when your baby needs medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerDiarrhea under 12 months

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerDiarrhea under 12 months New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Stools become very frequent or much more watery than usual.
  • Blood appears in the stool.
  • Your baby drinks less or has fewer wet diapers.
  • A very young baby develops fever.
  • Diarrhea persists or your baby appears ill.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your baby has severe dehydration.
  • Your baby becomes very weak, poorly responsive or difficult to wake.
  • You think your baby has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on stomach and bowels

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms