Diarrhea in infants

Alternative Names

When your infant has diarrhea; When your baby has diarrhea; BRAT diet; Diarrhea in children

Information

Children who have diarrhea may have less energy, dry eyes, or a dry, sticky mouth. They may also not wet their diaper as often as usual.

Give your child fluids for the first 4 to 6 hours. At first, try 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of fluid every 30 to 60 minutes. You can use:

• An over-the-counter drink, such as Pedialyte or Infalyte -- do not water down these drinks
• Pedialyte popsicles
• Watered-down fruit juice or broth -- these can give your child important minerals that are being lost in the stool

Keep breastfeeding your infant, if you are nursing. If you are using formula, use it at half strength for 2 to 3 feedings after the diarrhea starts. Then begin regular formula feedings again.

If your child throws up, give only a little bit of fluid at a time. You can start with as little as 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes.

When your child is ready for regular foods, try:

• Bananas
• Chicken
• Crackers
• Pasta
• Rice cereal

Avoid:

• Apple juice
• Dairy
• Fried foods
• Full-strength fruit juice

The BRAT diet was recommended by some doctors and nurses in the past. There is not a lot of evidence that it is better than a standard diet for upset stomach, but it probably cannot hurt.

BRAT stands for the different foods that make up the diet:

• Bananas
• Rice cereal
• Applesauce
• Toast

Bananas and other solid foods are usually not recommended for a child who is actively vomiting.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

Call your child's doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:

• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Dry and sticky mouth
• Fever that does not go away
• Much less activity than normal (is not sitting up at all or looking around)
• No tears when crying
• No urination for 6 hours
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

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