Diarrhea in toddlers can be caused by several factors. Riley Hospital for Children explains that drinking too many fluids, especially fruit juices or other sugary drinks can cause diarrhea in toddlers. Diets too low in fat, immature digestive tracts and stomach viruses can also cause diarrhea. In many causes, diarrhea can be treated at home. Consult your pediatrician if the child is unable to keep down fluids as dehydration may result.
Step 1
Replace fluids lost through diarrhea by offering beverages such as rice water, vegetable juice or broth to the child frequently throughout the day. Dehydration can occur quickly if large amounts of fluids are lost through diarrhea. These beverages not only replace fluids, but they replace important electrolytes as well. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that rice water is a good choice to maintain hydration. Simply make a pot of rice using one cup of rice and one quart of water. Boil for 20 minutes and then strain the liquid off. Cool completely and offer to the child, over ice if needed.
Step 2
Feed your child a diet of bland foods such as plain toast, crackers, bananas, applesauce or anything without added spices. These foods will help to settle the stomach and according to "The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies," they are binding as well. Pureed carrots are also a good choice and have been used as a home remedy for diarrhea in children for many years.
Step 3
Give probiotics to replace the good bacteria in your child’s stomach and digestive system. An imbalance of good versus bad bacteria can cause diarrhea. Probiotics are available in powder form in many health food stores. Yogurt with live active cultures also replenishes good bacteria and may even help prevent diarrhea in the future, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Three ounces of yogurt per day is all that is needed.
