Diarrhea can be dangerous for children because it can lead to dehydration, the loss of too much fluid from the body, according to FamilyDoctor. Most of the time, however, children don't need medication to treat diarrhea because the condition doesn't last long. Additionally, diarrhea can be a way for the body to get rid of an infection and medication can interfere with the healing process, notes FamilyDoctor. Instead, it's better to alter the child's diet to help him cope with the condition.
Bland Foods
For the first 24 hours, doctors often recommend a bland diet for children with diarrhea, according to FamilyDoctor. This is sometimes referred to as the BRAT diet and includes bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast. But other bland foods like saltines and unsweetened cereals can also work. It's a good idea to give children smaller portions when they're suffering from diarrhea, according to KidsHealth.
Foods To Avoid
High fat or sugary foods can irritate the digestive tract and make diarrhea worse, according to FamilyDoctor. So it's best to avoid things like ice cream, gelatin, pudding or fried foods. It's also a good idea to avoid dairy products for 3 to 7 days.
Oral Rehydration Solution
To prevent dehydration, it's a good idea to give children an oral rehydration solution, which contains a mix of water, salt, sugar, potassium and other nutrients to replace lost body fluids, according to FamilyDoctor. These solutions are available in grocery stores. Children should not be given plain water because it doesn't contain enough salt and other nutrients to help with dehydration, according to KidsHealth. Other clear liquids that parents have used in the past, like ginger ale, tea, fruit juice, gelatin, chicken broth and sports drinks, also don't contain the proper balance of salts and nutrients and may even make dehydration worse.
