Diarrhea (more frequent, looser, more watery stools) is usually caused by a virus in your child's intestine. Sometimes a bacterial infection, a food allergy, certain medications (antibiotics,) or too much fruit juice can also cause diarrhea.
When your child has diarrhea it is important to make sure she does not lose too much water or get dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include a dry,sticky mouth, no tears, or no urine for over 8 hours.
Extra fluids and diet changes work best for diarrhea. You do not need to change anything unless the diarrhea is persistent. One loose bowel movement can mean nothing. Do NOT give medications to stop the diarrhea unless directed to do so by your doctor. Please keep in touch with us if the diarrhea does not improve quickly. Stools may take a week or longer to return to a completely normal consistency.
Breast feed more often. Give Pedialyte or Enfalyte if your baby has fewer wet (urine) diapers or has dark-colored urine. If your baby is over 4 months-old and has started cereal continue giving rice cereal. If your baby is over 6 months-old and has started solids continue to give cereal, strained carrots, strained bananas and mashed potatoes.
Feed your child more often than usual and as much as she wants. Offer Pedialyte or Enfalyte instead of formula for 6-8 hours. After 6-8 hours restart formula. If your baby is over 4 months-old and has started cereal continue giving rice cereal. If your baby is over 6 months-old and has started solids continue to give cereal, strained carrots, strained bananas and mashed potatoes.
Give lots of clear fluids including Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or Gatorade. Avoid fruit juices. You may continue milk products. Encourage foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, bread, noodles and yogurt.
