Causes of diarrhea in children include viral infections like gastroenteritis and rotavirus, as well as bacterial infections like E. coli or salmonella. Other children experience the watery stools of diarrhea as a symptom of medical conditions like lactose intolerance or allergies. Along with comfort measures for your child, the other primary aspect of dealing with diarrhea is ensuring she doesn't become dehydrated. Additional symptoms that accompany the diarrhea help determine if your child needs medical care for it.
Step 1
Watch for other symptoms that accompany the diarrhea to determine if your child has a more serious medical problem. Document the symptoms experienced, including vomiting, fever or excessive fussiness in case you need to call your child's doctor. This record of symptoms allows you to easily relay that information to the physician.
Step 2
Comfort your child if she becomes upset by the diarrhea. Sit with her in the bathroom if she is scared or lonely. Hold and rock your child or create a comfortable place for her to rest as she gets over her diarrhea.
Step 3
Feed your child his usual diet as long as he isn't vomiting. Focus on healthy whole foods rather than processed, fatty or sugary foods that might make the diarrhea worse or make your child feel nauseated.
Step 4
Provide lots of fluids for your child to keep her hydrated, because the body loses water through the diarrhea. Avoid high-sugar drinks. A sports drink or child's electrolyte replacement drink replenishes minerals in the body that are lost.
Step 5
Consult with your child's physician before offering anti-diarrhea medications to avoid complications and serious side effects.
Step 6
Call your child's health care provider if your child has a fever above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, blood in the diarrhea, other severe symptoms that don't subside or a bout of diarrhea lasting longer than two days. Seek medical attention when your child displays dehydration symptoms, such as decreased urination, sunken eyes, lack of tears and a dry mouth.
