Most babies will have diarrhea at one time or another and according to AskDr.Sears.com, it occurs for a variety of reasons including, intestinal infections, food intolerances, food allergies or a simple phase. Treating diarrhea can usually be done at home, but if it persists a parent should contact her child's pediatrician for an evaluation. Several foods are commonly given to a baby with diarrhea that can help clear up the problem and are often referred to as the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, apples and toast.
Bananas
Bananas are bland enough that they won't irritate an upset stomach while helping to firm up a baby's stools at the same time. AskDr.Sears.com recommends giving a baby small amounts of banana to see how he handles it and increase the amount as the diarrhea runs its course. A baby who is just beginning to eat solid foods should eat jarred banana baby food and an older baby can try mashed fresh bananas.
Rice
Rice or rice cereal is another bland food that babies suffering from diarrhea can eat, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Younger babies should be fed rice cereal to prevent choking, but babies who are used to chewing can eat steamed rice. Rice won't increase diarrhea and will fill a baby's tummy up as she gets through her illness. If the rice is handled well, small amounts of other foods can begin to be added back into her diet once the diarrhea begins to clear up.
Applesauce
Sugary foods can often make diarrhea worse for a baby so a parent should try unsweetened applesauce. It can help firm up stools, keep a baby hydrated and provide some nutrition when he has diarrhea. Applesauce can be provided in small amounts over the course of the day and can be combined with bananas, toast and rice to help clear up diarrhea, according to AskDr.Sears.com. This is a good choice for babies who are learning to eat solid foods and for babies who already know how to because it is a smooth consistency and doesn't present a choking hazard. It's sweet taste may be more palatable to a baby to plain rice or toast.
Toast
Plain, dry toast is part of the BRAT diet and can be given to a baby with diarrhea in small amounts throughout the bout of it, according to AskDr.Sears.com. Adding butter can exacerbate diarrhea due to its fat content. Babies can dip toast into applesauce or mashed banana to add some flavor if needed. Toast should be avoided if a baby cannot chew well, but can be cut into small chunks for a one who is used to eating solid foods.
