How should I take care of this?

Question

My 11 month old son recently has had watery (really loose) stools for the past 2 days. I know that it is diarrhea, but I don't know how to treat it. Should I feed him the same? If so, do I need to stay away from solid foods and just give him milk? What about Pedialyte? Should I give this to him. This is my first baby, and he has never had diarrhea before, so I am new to this. Please help me if you can.

Answer 1

Pedialyte is essential!! Keep him hydrated. We used to use the BRAT diet for diarrhea - bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast. Keep him drinking!!

When should you call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your toddler has diarrhea and any of the following:
• vomiting

• signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and infrequent urination

• diarrhea alternating with constipation

• blood in his stool or black stool

• a high fever — over 103 degrees Fahrenheit

• refusing to eat

How should I treat my child's diarrhea?
While rarely serious when treated properly, diarrhea can send your toddler to the hospital if he becomes dehydrated, so your first concern should be giving him enough liquids. If your toddler isn't also vomiting, it should be fairly easy to give him extra water to drink. If he can't keep liquids down, though, or if his diarrhea is severe (a watery bowel movement every two hours or more), call his doctor, who may suggest a pediatric electrolyte solution, like Pedialyte, ReVital, or a generic brand. These solutions are available in drugstores and come in flavors that most toddlers will readily drink if they're dehydrated.

Avoid sweetened fluids like sodas (including ginger ale), athletic drinks (like Gatorade), Jell-O, sugar water, and undiluted fruit juices. All of these contain sugar that will draw water into the intestine and make the diarrhea worse. Also don't use anti-diarrhea medication unless the doctor prescribes it.

Doctors now advise continuing to feed solid foods to a child with diarrhea. While there's nothing wrong with feeding your toddler the classic BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast), the AAP says any foods made up of complex carbohydrates, such as rice, wheat, potatoes, bread, and cereal, as well as lean meats, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables, are safe to eat. (If your toddler temporarily refuses to eat, don't worry. As long as he stays hydrated his appetite should return in a day or two.)

Studies have shown that live bacterial cultures, found in yogurt, are a safe and effective way to cut down on the amount and duration of diarrhea. It's an easy way to treat the problem, especially if your toddler loves the taste of yogurt. Just be sure to buy yogurt with lactobacillus, or live cultures.

If your toddler is uncomfortable during a bout of diarrhea, try to cuddle and comfort him as much as possible and keep his bottom dry. Use care, tenderness, and plenty of diaper cream when changing him, since it's easy for your toddler's bottom to become red and irritated from the loose stools.

Answer 2

He needs to change his diet slightly. As far as drinks, he doesn't need sugary drinks. His pediatrician may have a specialized diet to recommend for him. You should talk to him and ask about some of your concerns.


This is from an article on Discovery Health

"What are the treatments for the condition?
Diarrhea in children is treated by replacing the fluid in the body. Usually this is done through oral feedings. Most of the time, the child can maintain a normal diet if the diarrhea is mild. Some children are not able to tolerate cow's milk when they have diarrhea. A toddler or young child who is still breast-feeding can continue nursing. If the diarrhea is moderate, a healthcare professional may recommend clear fluids for the first 6 to 24 hours. Diarrhea makes children very thirsty. Because the main goal in treatment of diarrhea is to prevent dehydration, persons need plenty of oral fluids if they can keep them down. Prepared drinks such as Pedialyte or Resol can help replace water and salts, known as electrolytes, that are lost through the diarrhea. White grape juice may be used instead if an electrolyte solution is not available. After the first 6 to 24 hours of a clear liquid diet, bland foods may be added. These include bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast. Additional foods can be added slowly. Avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, beans, fatty foods, and spicy foods may also be helpful while the child has diarrhea. Reducing the intake of milk and other milk products for the first few days with diarrhea may also reduce stomach and bowel irritation. If diarrhea becomes severe or if vomiting prevents the intake of enough oral fluids, fluids must be given through an intravenous tube (IV). Hospitalization is sometimes necessary in this case. If unusual symptoms are present or if the child is acting very sick, the healthcare professional may look for conditions that may require further treatment. Medications or surgery may be needed. "

Answer 3

You didn't specify if he has a fever or not. Many kids get diarrhea when teething (even if they haven't previously when teething). Pedialyte is good to help with hydration. Bananas and cheese help make for stiffer stool. Here's a homemade pedialyte recipe to save money:

1 quart water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/2 Tbsp. sugar

* Optional:
1/2 pack any flavor Kool Aid (no sugar added) or to taste
1/4 tsp. salt substitue (for potassium- sold as NuSalt)

Recipe


Heat up a small amount of the water and dissolve all other ingredients in it.
Add remaining water and stir well. Keep in refridgerator.

If he's not having any other symptoms of an illness, just keep him hydrated. If diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, call his pediatrician.

Answer 4

Pedialyte is great. Also, I heard that milk is not a good thing for a baby w/diarrhea. A baby I know had it for a few days, and when her mom took her to the doctor he said NOT to give her any milk. But other than that, take him to the pediatrician, he/she should give you plenty of things to do.

Answer 5

Call your pediatrician first but they will probably say to use pedialyte for 24 hours - no longer than that - and keep on a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples, and toast) till diarrhea clears up. Hope he feels better soon.

Answer 6

In addition to the other suggestions. Yogurt.
Regular full fat Yoplait. It helps the digestive tract and has been a god send for us when our baby has been sick. Lean meats are also ok.
Turkey, chicken. Your main concern is keeping him hydrated. Watch for diaper rash too. keep him dry and naked if possible, though tough with diarrhea. Poor little guy and mama.
You both will get through it!

Answer 7

pedialyte is a great thing to use, your baby can get dehydrated really easy. You have to really watch this. You should call your doctor's office and talk to a nurse to find out what are good foods to try. Good luck, I hope he feels better soon.

Answer 8

normally for diarreah and vomiting it is clear fluids for 24 hours and paracetamol for fever. If child is not tlerating fluids well then pedalyte replaces fluids being lost by the diarreah.
it might be jsut a tummy upset,might be teething,without knowing more it's hard to say.some bubs become lactose intolerant just outoif the blue. I would get to the doctor a child with diarreah and a temperture,or persistent diarreah , for more advice.

Answer 9

I'd call your pediatrician and ask them. Diarrhea can be caused by a serious illness. He can get dehydrated too. Ask your doctor!

Answer 10

brat diet
banana
rice (i think or potatoes)
apple sauce
toast

pedialyte is good, need to keep him hydrated