All children will develop loose stool on occasion, but if your child is consistently experiencing diarrhea, you should talk with a pediatrician for an evaluation. Toddler's diarrhea is considered two to six watery stools per day in children between 6 and 30 months, according to the University of Chicago. Most children outgrow this condition by the age of 4 years, but it may be managed through dietary changes before then. Consult your pediatrician before modifying your child’s diet.
Toddler’s Diarrhea
Frequent, loose stools is considered toddler’s diarrhea until age 4. After that, if diarrhea continues, your child may be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Common identifying characteristics of toddler's diarrhea include frequent loose stools that do not affect your child’s physical development, no evidence of infection, a healthy appearance and no family history of colic, irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Toddler’s diarrhea does not have a single cause, but may be the result of various factors.
Food Allergy
A common cause of chronic diarrhea in toddlers is a food allergy. Food allergies are mostly found in children younger than 5 years. According to MayoClinic.com, common symptoms of a food allergy include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rashes, sinus congestion and asthma. The most common foods that cause a food allergy in toddlers include wheat, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, eggs and milk. Your pediatrician may recommend that your child be tested by an allergist to determine the exact cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms.
Intolerances
The most common food intolerance in young children is lactose intolerance. After the age of 2 years, your toddler’s digestive system may slow down production of a digestive enzyme called lactose that helps break down the sugar in milk. Lactose intolerance can cause frequent episodes of diarrhea, gas and bloating after you child ingests dairy products. Lactose intolerance is incurable but symptoms may be prevented through dietary supplementation. Talk with your doctor before using any supplement.
Other Causes
Chronic diarrhea in your toddler may be a sign of a more complex digestive condition. If your child develops a fever and body chills along with diarrhea, she may have an infection in the digestive system from food poisoning or other infectious organisms. Common digestive conditions that begin in early childhood include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. If you notice blood in your child’s stool or your toddler vomits, call your doctor right away.
