Diarrhea in children can be a result of illness or infection, antibiotic use, a high-fructose diet or another food sensitivity. Pediatricians once recommended that children eat a BRAT diet which included bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. Other variations of the diet included BRATTY, to include yogurt, and BRATT to include tea. Currently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children resume eating a well-balanced diet. The BRAT plan lacks the nutrition required to recover from illness. A bland diet, or simply avoiding high-fat, high-fiber and spicy foods and those high in simple sugars, can provide adequate nutrition while being gentle on the gastrointestinal system. Fluids are extremely important as dehydration can result from diarrhea.
Grains
Feed your child low fiber grains such as dry white toast or English muffins, white rice and egg noodles. Avoid high-fiber grains, or those mixed with nuts and seeds.
Vegetables
Raw vegetables with high fiber, like corn, salad and broccoli, should be avoided. Low residue vegetables are cooked carrots, cooked celery, cooked green beans and skinless potatoes.
Fruit
Good choices include applesauce or fruit canned in juice. Avoid pulpy citrus fruits and juice, like orange juice or lemonade. Don't give your sick child any thick-skinned fruit like apples or pears.
Milk
It is wise to avoid dairy when diarrhea is an issue. One exception is yogurt, particularly if diarrhea is caused by antibiotic use since the beneficial probiotics in the yogurt may help improve intestinal flora.
Protein Sources
Lean baked or broiled chicken or turkey breast are best. Use them in soups like chicken noodle or turkey rice. Avoid feeding your child fatty meat, beans and nuts when she is suffering from diarrhea.
Fluids
Fluids are essential to sick children, so rehydrate them with gelatin, Popsicles, water or small amounts of juice. Your pediatrician may recommend a electrolyte replacement drink.
