From the Research
It is not advisable to introduce solids to an 8-month-old infant experiencing 8-10 episodes of loose stools per day, as this frequency of diarrhea indicates significant gastrointestinal distress that should be addressed before adding new foods. The infant should be evaluated by a healthcare provider promptly, as this level of diarrhea puts them at risk for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Continue breast milk or formula feeding to maintain hydration and nutrition while temporarily pausing solid foods if they've already been introduced. Once the diarrhea resolves, solids can be gradually reintroduced, starting with simple, easily digestible foods like rice cereal, bananas, or plain applesauce (the BRAT diet components) 1.
The reasoning behind this approach is that an inflamed or irritated digestive system needs time to heal, and introducing solids during active diarrhea can worsen symptoms and potentially delay recovery. Additionally, the nutrients from solids may not be properly absorbed during episodes of diarrhea, making them less beneficial during this time. It's also important to note that breastfed infants can have a different stool pattern compared to formula-fed infants, with more frequent and liquid stools, but in this case, the high frequency of loose stools suggests an underlying issue that needs to be addressed before introducing solids 2, 1.
Some studies suggest that infrequent stools can be normal in exclusively breastfed infants, but the situation described here involves frequent loose stools, which is a different scenario 3. The focus should be on managing the diarrhea and ensuring the infant's hydration and nutrition are maintained, rather than introducing new foods that could potentially exacerbate the condition. Therefore, the priority should be to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance on how to proceed with feeding and managing the infant's gastrointestinal health.