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:
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:
Avoid:
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 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:
When your infant has diarrhea; When your baby has diarrhea; BRAT diet
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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