It can be really hard to tell when a BF baby has diahrroea because their poos are normally quite runny. But if your baby's poos are normally the same colour and smell, and you notice that they have suddenly changed colour or smell, especially if they smell bad, then it may be an indicator of diahrroea.

The thing with diahrroea is that, in itself, it is not a problem. Some babies have sensitive guts and a tendency to get diahrroea if you've changed your normal diet or something. The real problem is that it can be a sign of gastro and this can lead to dehydration, especially if there is also vomitting.

In little babies, the best sign of dehydration is their urine output. If they are not weeing as frequently, then this is a sign they are getting dehydrated - especially if they go long periods without wet nappies. So, if they start going long periods without weeing, especially if they are unusually irritated, or sleepy or lethargic, then you should probably take them to see a GP, or if you can't get into a GP, to your local emergency department. If, on the other hand, they are happy and weeing regularly, then the diahrroea is probably nothing to be concerned about.

Hope this helps!

Michael