how do you know when its diarrhea?

DS has been on alimentum formula for over 2 weeks now. He went from having 1 BM a day to all of a sudden the past few days having several runny BM's. In a 12 hour stretch yesterday for example he went 4 times. I called the ped's office, and they said this could be normal, and they said to call back if it continues for a week. At what point would you consider this diarrhea? My only concern is waiting to long to take him to the ped if he really does have it. TIA!

Re: how do you know when its diarrhea?

It could be just him adjusting to the switch of formula- it's common when changing formulas.
However, if it's diarrhea for another reason- like a virus- there really isnt much the ped can do anyway.
The main thing would be to avoid dehydration with any kind of diarrhea.
Is he drinking normally?

how do you know when its diarrhea?

I dont want to be an alarmist, but I might take him to the Ped to be safe as diarrhea is dangerous in young infants.

However, this doesn't sound frequent enough to be diarrhea.

Re: how do you know when its diarrhea?

yes he is eating normally, at sometimes he will take in a little less if he falls asleep while i'm in the middle of feeding him. i guess i will see what happens tonight and call the ped in the morning if its still frequent. Thanks!

Message edited 10/2/2012 4:55:54 PM.