10 month old with tan bowel movements and vomiting

Hi, not sure if this is the correct place to post this but this forums seems to have a lot of activity. I am asking this question for a friend, she has a 10month old girl who for the past 3 days has not been feeling well. She has vomited 1-2 times a day (comes on suddenly), she has also had tan bowel movements. They are very large, soft-sticky in consistency (not watery) but very large, leaks through diaper (which is abnormal) and very smelly. She is breastfeed with occasional supplements of formula (perhaps 8oz daily while at daycare but split between 2 bottles) she has not had any changes in diet. I know that sometimes tan stools come from formula but her amount of intake has not changed. They are light tan, not white. White can be decreased function of pancreas and liver, any other symptoms she should look at? Ok, no fever, is cranky (usually very calm easy going baby). They did have a stomach bug go through the house last weekend, but it only lasted 24 hourss? She is getting teeth, first ones. Is it possible that all of this could be from that? She is drooling quite a bit?? Hmmmm.....just wondering if anyone had any thoughts? Thanks, in advance.

[margypops]

Is her skin color okay not yellowish I am thinking maybe some jaundice, its possible of course that she has the 'stomach 'bug you mention,if her mom has had it and is breast feeding she may have caught it that way . If  she has vomited a few times I would take he to the Ped for a check up  hope shes okay soon  

[rtjrevie]

Thanks. No jaundice, color ok. She has not vomited since yesterday, but yes I did tell her she should be seen by her ped.

[margypops]

It sounds like she got some of the stomach virus ..glad shes stopped vomiting , plenty of liquids , pedilite in case she dehydtrated somewhat

[adgal]

I would agree that this is a tummy bug.  My son is 2 and has been in daycare for a year.  I can tell you that for many small kids, the first year of daycare means a lot of virus' that typically just clear themselves.  As their immune systems get stronger, it will get better.  It sounds like she had diareah (it's not always liquid).  As Margy said, the important thing is to watch for dehydration.  Water is not the right thing to give her.  She can continue on with the breastmilk and forumula (it is no longer considered true that milk based products shouldn't be given) if she can tolerate it.  If it lasts more then 48 hours or there are any signs of dehydration (diapers staying dry more then 3 to 4 hours, inside of mouth feels tacky instead of wet) then it's important she be seen immediately.  Otherwise, this will probably pass.  I have been through this countless times in the last year and I know it's worrisome.  When in doubt always call the Pedi.

All the best!

[rtjrevie]

Thank you both, I will pass this info on to her. I guess the thing that concerned me the most is she said her stool was very light tan (normally dark-med brown) so I just wanted to double check and make sure I/we/she wasn't missing something. It has been awhile since my children were this small, but I do believe they may have had that too. Ok, thanks for the responses!

[margypops]

The light tan would be from the stomach issue if she had it, very often baby's stools can be yellowish when they are unwell ..

[rtjrevie]

Thank you so much margypops for that last answer. That reassures both of us!!!! If she continues to vomit/diarrhea/or show s/s of dehydration she will take her in tomorrow. She is continuing to nurse fairly well just a little crabby. Her PED was out of the office today and really doesn't prefer the other. So thank u!

[adgal]

I agree. My son's can be light or dark.  It is a concern if there is mucus in the stool, or of course blood.  But light tan really isn't a huge concern.  As mentioned, it is pretty common when they are ill.