what to feed kids when they have diarrhea

What should you feed a child who has diarrhea? If your child has diarrhea, it's important to feed them a healthy, well-balanced diet in addition to plenty of fluids. In the past, doctors suggested the "BRAT” diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) as a solution to help children with diarrhea.

Full Answer

What foods do you give a child with diarrhea?

When children are ready for regular foods again, try giving them:

• Bananas
• Crackers
• Chicken
• Pasta
• Rice cereal

What should you give children with diarrhea?

To keep a child with diarrhea hydrated, offer plenty of fluids, such as:

• Water
• Broth or soup
• Pediatric electrolyte solutions in liquid or freezer pop form
• Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade (choose low-sugar varieties)

What should I Feed my Child with diarrhea?

What to Feed a Child With Diarrhea

• B.R.A.T. Basics. ...
• Electrolyte Boost. If a child with diarrhea is also vomiting or simply won't eat any B.R.A.T. ...
• Timing is Key. Do not give B.R.A.T. ...
• Foods to Avoid. The two main foods to avoid when feeding a child with diarrhea are milk and related dairy foods, along with greasy or fatty foods.
• Consulting a Doctor. ...

How to get a child with diarrhea to eat food?

To provide relief from diarrhea symptoms, focus on:

• Keeping your child hydrated
• Offering a variety of nutritious foods
• Identifying triggers or problem foods

What should kids with diarrhea not eat?

Some foods tend to make diarrhea worse:High sugar foods. Soda, juice, lemonade, and other similar drinks should be put on the backburner when a child has diarrhea. ... Fatty foods. Chips, French fries, and pastries should be avoided until diarrhea has resolved. ... High fiber foods. ... Caffeine. ... Dried fruit.

What kids should drink with diarrhea?

With moderate to severe diarrhea, your child may need to drink an ORS (oral rehydration solution) like Pedialyte® to help prevent dehydration. An ORS replaces the electrolytes (salts) and fluids that your child needs. Sports drinks and home remedies should not be used instead.

How do I stop my child's diarrhea fast?

How is diarrhea treated?Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. ... Avoid juice or soda. ... Not give plain water to your baby.Not give too much plain water to kids of any age. ... Keep breastfeeding your baby. ... Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so.

What foods soothe diarrhea?

Here's another bit of good advice from Mom for treating diarrhea – eat the BRAT diet: bananas, rice (white), applesauce and toast. When your health is good, physicians usually recommend whole-grain, high-fiber foods.

Are eggs good for diarrhea?

Yes, in most individuals with diarrhea, eggs help slow down bowel movements and help the patient recover faster from diarrhea. Cooking them makes them easier to digest. So, a person can eat boiled eggs when they have diarrhea, provided they are not allergic to eggs.

What stops diarrhea fast?

BRAT diet A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they're starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.

Is yogurt good for diarrhea?

Eating a probiotic-rich yogurt might be able to help ease symptoms of your diarrhea and shorten the length of time you experience diarrhea. If you are sensitive to lactose or have lactose intolerance, be sure to use a yogurt that is dairy- or lactose-free.

What are Covid symptoms in kids?

Fever and cough are common COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children; shortness of breath is more likely to be seen in adults. Children can have pneumonia, with or without obvious symptoms. They can also experience sore throat, excessive fatigue or diarrhea.

Is oatmeal good for diarrhea?

Oatmeal is an example of a food containing soluble fibre and may be helpful in managing diarrhea, D'Ambrosio says. “Soluble fibre is a type of fibre that works by attracting water and turns it into a gel during digestion,” she explains. “This slows the digestion process and can help adding bulk to bowel movements.”

Can you eat scrambled eggs when you have diarrhea?

Cooked eggs are also OK. Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If you have very severe diarrhea, you may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days.

Why is applesauce good for diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea, eating soluble fiber can help absorb liquid in the intestines while preventing constipation. Applesauce is a better choice than an apple, as the fruit's skin contains insoluble fiber that can put a strain on your digestive system.

Does applesauce cure diarrhea?

Myth. Bland "BRAT" foods -- bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast -- were once recommended to treat diarrhea. But BRAT foods don't have enough of other nutrients you need, like protein and fat. You can eat bland foods for the first day or so.

What juice is good for diarrhea?

Try a clear liquid diet— water, weak tea, apple juice, clear broth, frozen pops, or plain gelatin — as soon as diarrhea starts or you feel it's going to start. Clear liquids keep the bowels from working too hard and help prevent irritation.

Does Gatorade help with diarrhea?

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.

Can Sprite help with diarrhea?

During an illness involving vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids in small sips until the stomach is settled and then in larger amounts until your thirst is satisfied. Clear liquids are the best. Water, Gatorade, Sprite, 7-Up, and Ginger Ale are suggested.

Is Gatorade good for toddlers with diarrhea?

A new study shows that Gatorade was as effective as Pedialyte at rehydrating and easing diarrhea in children with viral gastroenteritis.

What should I feed my child with diarrhea?

What Should You Feed Your Child When They Have Diarrhea? The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) was once a staple that most pediatricians recommended for children with an upset stomach. The idea was that it gave the gut a chance to rest and reduced the amount of stool produced.

What to drink for diarrhea?

A child with diarrhea can drink a range of liquids, including water, clear broths, apple juice, or herbal tea.

How long does diarrhea last?

If Diarrhea Lasts More Than 24 Hours With Your Child, See a Doctor. Parents or caregivers should take infants and children to see a doctor if they experience vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, cannot produce tears, have sunken cheeks, or exhibit any of the symptoms of dehydration.

Can children with diarrhea eat regular food?

It turns out that most children with diarrhea who get regular food do just fine. The nutritional content of a regular healthy diet is far superior to the BRAT diet. The AAP affirmed that in 2016. Instead of the old BRAT diet, children with stomach issues diet can consist of their normal diet.

Where can I buy rehydration pills?

You can purchase oral rehydration products over the counter at a pharmacy such as Pedialyte. They are available as a liquid, popsicle, or powder to mix with water. Once they are no longer dehydrated let them eat. If they can tolerate it, they can eat it.

Is a brat diet safe for diarrhea?

The BRAT diet carries several risks, including nutrient and calorie deficiencies. As a result, many health organizations no longer recommend it as a treatment option for diarrhea or other stomach problems.

What foods should I not eat if my child has diarrhea?

The two main foods to avoid when feeding a child with diarrhea are milk and related dairy foods, along with greasy or fatty foods . Wait at least three or four days, even if bowel movements have returned to normal, before reintroducing milk and dairy foods into a child's diet. Other foods to avoid in the days immediately following the start of diarrhea include raw citrus fruits, raw vegetables and extremely-cold foods and beverages.

What does it mean when you have diarrhea?

A bout of diarrhea may be a one-day reaction to a gastrointestinal disturbance , but it also may signal the onset of an ear infection or other illness that requires medical attention.

What to feed a child with diarrhea?

In the past, doctors suggested the "BRAT” diet ( bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) as a solution to help children with diarrhea. Now, many doctors don't recommend it.

How to stop diarrhea in a child?

There is no one specific food, drink or home remedy that will stop your child's diarrhea . The best treatment for your child's diarrhea is supportive care. To provide relief from diarrhea symptoms, focus on: Keeping your child hydrated. Offering a variety of nutritious foods.

Why does diarrhea happen?

Diarrhea is a common condition that occurs when stool has too much water in it. "The colon is designed to absorb water so that the stool has form and consistency. At times, the stool absorbs too much water, resulting in diarrhea,” explains Lauren ...

What causes diarrhea in the body?

Like acute diarrhea, it can be caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea might also be triggered by underlying inflammation in the body, genetic or autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, or functional GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

How long does diarrhea last in children?

If your child's diarrhea lasts more than a few days, check with your pediatrician to determine the cause and best treatment. For chronic diarrhea, your doctor might suggest a change of diet, medication or other ongoing treatment.

Why do kids have diarrhea?

Beyond stomach bugs, diarrhea in kids can also be triggered by other issues, including: Food allergies. Lactose intolerance. Eating or drinking too much sugar or artificial sweetener.

Does fiber help with diarrhea?

Will fiber or certain foods stop my child's diarrhea? Fiber is often used to regulate bowel movements and can be used in both constipated and diarrheal states, depending on the type of fiber in the food. Pectin, a naturally occurring substance in food, can also be used to thicken stools.

Diet for children with diarrhea

It is recommended that the diet of a child with diarrhea be divided into 5 servings and small portions to achieve good digestion. Although it is necessary not to force the child to eat if he is not hungry, it is important that he eat at least a little and it is essential that he consume a lot of liquid .

Diet tips for children with diarrhea

Although in many cases the diarrhea can disappear without the need to make any changes in the child’s diet, there are certain factors that must be taken into account when the child is sick.

When to see a doctor for diarrhea

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How to help a child with diarrhea?

But while children have diarrhea, they should: Eat small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels and soup. When necessary, changes in the diet may help. No specific diet is recommended. But children often do better with bland foods. Give your child foods such as: ...

How to stop diarrhea in toddlers?

In general, removing seeds and skins from these foods is best. Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If dairy products are making the diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating, your child may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days.

What can I do to help my child with vomiting?

These products can be bought at the supermarket or pharmacy. Popsicles and Jell-O can be good sources of fluids, especially if your child is vomiting. You can slowly get large amounts of fluids into children with these products.

Why does diarrhea last longer?

For some children, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make your child lose too much fluid (de hydrated) and feel weak. The stomach flu is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments can also ...

What should I not eat when I have diarrhea?

Children should avoid certain kinds of foods when they have diarrhea, including fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods, pastries, donuts, and sausage. Avoid giving children apple juice and full-strength fruit juices, as they can loosen stool.

What foods are considered a savanna?

Pasta or white rice. Cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes. Pancakes and waffles made with white flour. Cornbread, prepared or served with very little honey or syrup. Cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, mushrooms, beets, asparagus tips, acorn squash, and peeled zucchini.

Can you give a child watered down fruit juice?

You may also give your child watered-down fruit juice or broth. DO NOT use medicines to slow down your child's diarrhea without talking to a doctor first. Ask your child's health care provider if using sports drinks is OK.

What causes diarrhea in toddlers?

Diet: Toddlers often take in an excess of juice and other liquids with a high content of fructose and sorbitol, which have been linked to toddler diarrhea. A diet very low in fat and low in fiber has also been implicated.

How old do you have to be to get rid of diarrhea?

Trusted Source. of children are free of diarrhea by 40 months of age. A common finding is that the diarrhea often starts after a bout of gastroenteritis. This is a viral infection of the stomach and intestines that usually causes fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How to firm up stools?

Up the Fiber Intake. More fiber may actually help firm up the stools. Choose whole-grain cereals and breads, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables. And adding a little more fat to the diet may also help. This might be surprising, as so much attention is paid to limiting fat intake.

Can a child have a stool sample?

Sometimes blood in the stool can be microscopic, so your child’s pediatrician may ask for a stool sample to test for blood if there is any concern. In addition, talk to your doctor if your child has diarrhea along with weight loss or poor weight gain, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or stools that are greasy or oily.

Is it okay to have extra fat in a toddler?

This might be surprising, as so much attention is paid to limiting fat intake. But if your toddler is not overweight and gets a good amount of exercise, as most do, then a little extra fat should be fine. Be sure to check with your doctor if this is appropriate for your child.

Can you see blood in a baby's stool?

Ensure that there is no blood in the stool. This seems obvious for children still in diapers, but make sure to check the stool of those who are potty-trained, as they may not mention this to you. If you do find blood in the stool, see your child’s doctor right away.

Can you give a child probiotics?

Probiotics are available over the counter. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to your body. These will most likely not harm the child, and may help. However, there are no studies that demonstrate these are effective.

What is Toddler Diarrhea and When to Worry?

Diarrhea is typically not a true disease or illness. Instead, it’s a common (but awful) symptom toddlers face. Thankfully, it usually is not a cause for worry.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Toddlers and The Best Foods to Give Toddlers With Diarrhea

The first thing you’ll want to do if your toddler has diarrhea is not to force your child to eat. Remember that fluids and hydration are more important than solid foods right now.

Best Drink For Toddlers With Diarrhea

It’s common for a child with diarrhea to lose extra fluid and become dehydrated. With the fluid loss, your kiddo will also lose electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium). So, while water is fine in moderation, in moderate to severe cases, you’ll also want to make sure to give Pediasure or another pediatric oral rehydration solution.\

Probiotics for Toddlers With Diarrhea

Probiotics are supplements that contain beneficial bacteria that can take over the bad bacteria in your child’s gut. Since diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial imbalance, using probiotic supplements may benefit your toddler.

Final Word

Diarrhea can be very scary for mommas, but knowing that toddlers with diarrhea are still healthy, developing children. If chronic, symptoms usually resolve on their own once your little one’s digestive tract matures.

What to feed a toddler with diarrhea?

Foods to feed toddler with Diarrhea. 1. Broiled Pork, Beef, or Chicken. When your toddler shows signs of diarrhea, you don't wait but need to act quickly. The best thing you can do is to feed them with foods that will combat the effects of diarrhea such as boiled pork, beef, or chicken.

What is the best food for a toddler to poop?

This will replenish the lost nutrients and minerals of your toddler. 4. White Rice. White rice acts as a binding agent that solidifies your baby’s stool. In simple terms, this is what makes your baby’s poop more solid and less liquid. White rice is also rich in phosphorus, selenium, niacin, and manganese.

Why do toddlers poop when they have diarrhea?

They lack the energy and unwilling to move. This happens because almost all of the nutritional components inside your toddler are flushed out, including high amounts of protein.

What is the most common food that babies are allergic to?

There are toddlers who are allergic to some kinds of food. The most common foods babies are allergic to are cow’s milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish. If you remember feeding them with any of these, then that might be the cause of their diarrhea.

Why does my baby have diarrhea?

1. Bacterial Infection. There are a lot of reasons as to why your baby might have diarrhea. However, the most common one is due to bacterial infection. Toddlers are just learning how to walk and do various motor tasks, which is why they’re most likely to lick their hands and suckle on it every once in a while.

Can you give a toddler antibiotics?

Antibiotics. You might have given your toddler medicine such as antibiotic due to a certain sickness they were in a few weeks back. Though antibiotics are safe and are specifically made to kill off germs and bacteria, there is a tendency that it might include in killing the bad bacteria inside your toddler's intestines.

Does banana make your stool more liquid?

Take note that having lots of fiber in your body makes your stool becomes more liquid. Bananas are also rich in potassium, and potassium is very effective in solidifying one’s stool. Aside from that, this fruit is also rich in a variety of other vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin C, Biotin, and Copper.

What to feed a toddler with diarrhea?

For toddlers with diarrhea, AskDrSears.com recommends the BRATY diet: bananas, rice or rice cereal, applesauce, toast without butter and yogurt. If you child has mild diarrhea, you can continue to feed him the fruits, vegetables, starches and lean meats he usually eats, assuming they don’t upset his stomach.

What to drink for diarrhea in kids?

Kids with moderate to severe diarrhea may need an electrolyte drink like Pedialyte to replace the salt and water their bodies have lost.

How many stools can you have with formula?

For kids having four to eight loose stools per day, mix one part prepared formula with one part electrolyte solution; for kids with 10 or more loose stools, don’t offer formula unless your pediatrician recommends otherwise.

Can you eat yogurt with braty?

Foods to Avoid. In addition to following the BRATY diet and offering plenty of fluids, there are certain foods and drinks that can worsen diarrhea and that should be avoided until your toddler is well. Avoid dairy products, except for yogurt, which contains probiotics that can help the intestines heal faster.

Can a toddler drink milk?

Sick toddlers need plenty of fluids to replenish those lost through diarrhea. If her diarrhea is mild, your toddler can continue to drink breast milk, formula or water as usual without needing any special fluids, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.