When Teething Looks Like a Stomach Bug: A Mum's Diary (Episode 1)

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A mum's diary
Image by 育银 戚 from Pixabay 

My baby pooped more than 10 times in one day. It was watery. Smelly. All over the place. No fever. No vomiting. No weakness. Just him… teething.”


That’s what I kept telling myself.


But in truth?

I wasn’t 100% sure.


Was it just teething? Or was it something more? A virus? A stomach bug hiding behind the swollen gums and drool?


As a nurse, I’ve counseled countless mothers through moments like this — calm, collected, confident.

But living it? With my own baby? That’s a different story.


The Day It Began

It started suddenly — soft, loose stools that seemed to multiply through the day. Not one or two, but clustered, watery poops I could barely count. At least 10 in 24 hours.


No fever. No vomiting. No sunken eyes.

He was still active, smiling even. But his bum was sore, and I was tired.


I knew teething could sometimes cause runny poop because babies produce more saliva and often put everything in their mouths. But this? It felt like more than just saliva drama.


So I stayed alert.


I started him on ORS (oral rehydration salts) and gave zinc to help reduce the frequency.

I even gave Flagyl, hoping to help with the looseness. There was some slight relief — but it was short-lived.


So Which One Was It?

Honestly? I still can’t say for sure. And that’s okay.


  • It could’ve been teething.
  • It could’ve been a mild viral diarrhoea.
  • It could’ve been both at the same time.


That’s the tricky thing about motherhood. Not everything fits neatly into a box — especially with babies who can’t explain how they feel.


Actions taken 

Here’s what I did (and what I’d recommend to any mum in this boat):


- ORS, every few hours, even if he seemed okay

- Zinc tablets to help the gut recover faster. Standard recommendation is to give 10mg (if below 6 months) and 20mg(for 6 months and above) daily for 10-14 days.

- Close observation: I kept checking for signs of dehydration — sunken eyes, dry mouth, reduced urine

- Patience and calm — and trust me, that took some work.


As I write, we just got out of it and that has prompted me to create a teething series to help myself and other moms, oldies and newbies alike.


Stay tuned for the coming episodes ☺️


❤️Dear Mum, You’re Doing So Well

If your baby is teething and suddenly has runny poo — and you’re wondering whether to worry or wait...

You're not a bad mum. You're a brilliant one — because you care enough to watch, to wonder, and to show up, even when it's hard.

Don't ever feel less because you care best!

I see you. I feel you. Encouragement
Image by Leopold Böttcher from Pixabay 

💛 What’s Next?

In coming episodes, we’ll talk about:  Teething or More? How to Know When Your Baby's Symptoms Are Normal (and When They're Not)


And if you’re reading this while trying to soothe a teething, crying baby — come join our WhatsApp support group: Mum’s Safe Haven 

No judgement. No medical jargon. Just support.


Click here to join my WhatsApp support group (Mum's safe haven)

And don’t forget to sign  up for my Mum’s Weekly Check-In Email here — soft reminders, health tips, and real stories from one mum to another.

See you shortly! ☺️

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