What should I do if a four-month-old baby has diarrhea?

A four-month-old baby develops diarrhea. Below are some basic measures to take:

1. Observation and documentation: Monitor the frequency of the baby's bowel movements, as well as the consistency and color of the stool. Watch for additional symptoms such as fever or vomiting and keep accurate records, which will help the doctor diagnose the condition.

2. Maintain hydration: Diarrhea in babies can easily lead to dehydration, so it is crucial to ensure adequate fluid intake. Continue to breastfeed or provide formula, and use oral rehydration solution (ORS) when necessary to prevent dehydration.

3. Dietary adjustment: Maintain the baby's regular diet. If breastfeeding, the mother should avoid greasy and spicy foods. If formula feeding, temporarily switch to a lactose-free formula. Avoid feeding the baby hard-to-digest foods. If complementary foods have already been introduced, choose easily digestible options and avoid foods that may cause allergies.

4. Avoid misuse of antibiotics: Unless specifically instructed by a doctor, do not administer antibiotics to the baby on your own. Most cases of infant diarrhea are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective and may cause side effects.

5. Seek timely medical attention: If the baby's diarrhea symptoms persist for more than 24 hours without improvement, or if there are severe symptoms such as high fever, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, or extreme fatigue, seek immediate medical care to check for possible intestinal flora imbalance, lactose intolerance, or enteritis, and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.

6. Hygiene measures: Change the baby's diaper frequently. Wash the baby's bottom with water after each bowel movement to prevent rashes. Also, keep the baby's abdomen warm to avoid getting chilled. Emphasize personal and household hygiene, wash hands frequently, and prevent cross-infection.

When a baby shows any health problems, consult a doctor promptly.