Diarrhea, or frequent, watery bowel movements, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or improperly cooked meat or fish. Antibiotic use or consuming too much fruit juice or fruit can also cause a child to have diarrhea. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, diarrhea is a common problem that will typically resolve without medical treatment within one to two days. In fact, in the United States, each child usually has between seven and 15 bouts of diarrhea by age 5, notes the NDDIC. However, diarrhea that lasts longer than two days can be a serious problem for children, due to the risk of dehydration.
Fluids
Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it is important to replace the fluids lost due to diarrhea as directed by a pediatrician. According to FamilyDoctor.org, breast-feeding babies should continue to do so, because breast milk contains the fluids and electrolytes necessary to prevent dehydration. Formula-fed infants may need to switch to a lactose-free formula, as lactose can make diarrhea worse. Older children may benefit from clear soups, clear sodas or clear juices mixed with water. Water should not be used alone, because it does not contain the necessary electrolytes needed to avoid dehydration. Ice pops and gelatin are also an acceptable form of clear fluids for older children, notes MedlinePlus.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
According to FamilyDoctor.org, oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte and Ricelyte, are a safe way to replace the necessary electrolytes and nutrients lost by infants and children with diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions are available without a prescription at most pharmacies and supermarkets and can be purchased as a powder mix, premade liquid or frozen popsicles. Although these solutions are available without a prescription, consulting a pediatrician prior to treating a child with these solutions is recommended to ensure the product is used properly based on the needs of the child.
Bland and Starchy Foods
A soft, bland diet is usually recommended for children with diarrhea. Appropriate foods include baked, skinless chicken; rice; bananas; plain, boiled potatoes; toast; and crackers. In addition, AboutKidsHealth.ca, an initiative of The Hospital for Sick Children, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, suggests feeding children oatmeal, noodles, mashed potatoes, carrots and applesauce. Rice cereal, strained bananas and mashed potatoes are suitable bland food options for babies over 4 months old but less than 1 year old. According to the website of the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, in Palo Alto, California, starchy foods like rice, pasta and crackers are more easily absorbed by children with diarrhea. Salty starches, such as pretzels or salty crackers, may also help replace some of the sodium lost due to diarrhea.
