Toddler Diarrhea Question #2 - Only Clear Liquid Vs. Bland/soft Food??

Sounds like he has what my 15 month old daughter had a few weeks ago.
Once she was able to hold liquid and solids down, I had her on the brat diet. I would definitely stay away from juices and milk until the diarrhea stops and then maybe even for a few days after.

I gave my daughter ginger ale to help calm her stomach and then after that it was gatorade since she wouldn't drink plain old water.

As for eating, if he's ready I say let him go for it. You could try Jello, saltine crackers, white rice, toast, applesauce. Once my daughter started getting food into her system the diarrhea started to go away.

I wish you luck with the virus!

Go with a simple diet when they are having diarrhea. It will be gentle on their system while it's trying to get over what ever is causing the diarrhea in the first place. I give my kids french fries when they have it cause the natural starch helps bind up and form a solid. This is also recommend by my kids Ped too. But if the child is hungry, feed him. No matter what you put in his mouth, it's going to come out the other end, it's just going to take time for his system to process it the right way.

Good luck
S.

Absolutely feed him if he can keep it down. The fact that he is asking for food is a good sign. Better to give him small amounts over a period of time than let him get too hungry. BRAT.

As a mom of 4 and an RN, feed that baby. Childrens bodies are really good at telling them what they need. If he is still having diarrhea though, bland foods might stay down, but arent very hydrating. Thats why people are suggesting the clear liquids. That also gives your stomach time to rest before it has to start working to digest the bland foods. If not vomiting though, just give small sips every 15 minutes or so. A child that age needs at least 1-2 ounces an hour, but dont over do it or you could overload his system. If hes hungry he can probably eat, but he will probably not tell you if hes thirsty. If you notice the diarrhea stops abruptly or he gets worse, that could be signs of dehydration. Call his pediatrician if you get conflicting information, but you know your child. If he starts not wanting to play or his mouth gets dry, or his eyes look sunk in, definitely call the Dr. Watch closely and keep him hydrated! Good luck

Updated

As a mom of 4 and an RN, feed that baby. Childrens bodies are really good at telling them what they need. If he is still having diarrhea though, bland foods might stay down, but arent very hydrating. Thats why people are suggesting the clear liquids. That also gives your stomach time to rest before it has to start working to digest the bland foods. If not vomiting though, just give small sips every 15 minutes or so. A child that age needs at least 1-2 ounces an hour, but dont over do it or you could overload his system. If hes hungry he can probably eat, but he will probably not tell you if hes thirsty. If you notice the diarrhea stops abruptly or he gets worse, that could be signs of dehydration. Call his pediatrician if you get conflicting information, but you know your child. If he starts not wanting to play or his mouth gets dry, or his eyes look sunk in, definitely call the Dr. Watch closely and keep him hydrated! Good luck

My ped told me to let him eat if he wants to eat. Don't give him hershey bars or spicy chili but do let him eat. If he is hungry his body is giving that clue not his want for something yummy. Adults sometimes forget that their kids eat when they are hungry not because they are bored or sad or any of the other times we'll eat! Avoiding dairy is not necessary unless the dairy might be part of the problem. Getting some yogurt with live cultures in his system may help him rebound faster. I think giving soda is not a good idea especially if your son doesn't already drink it. Why get that ball rolling. And keep in mind that if you are only putting liquids in you'll keep getting liquids out! Go for some toast and Cream of Wheat. It cures everything.....or at least that's what my mama told me!

I would continue feeding him as normal, just avoid sugary foods and overly fibrous foods.

Items such as yogurt, pineapple, pumpkin, and kefir should all help to settle the stomach and replace the flora that he wil now lacking.

I wouldn't say overly bland, because he needs his nutrition needs met, I would just go a little middle of the road. Maybe not ice cream but not dry toast either (well, strictly dry toast).

The problem I have is that my 30 month old has been sick....vomiting and then diarrhea. He now feels better and is running around, but still has the diarrhea. I want him to eat b/c he's burning energy, but I don't want to exacerbate the diarrhea, so I try and choose wisely. Cereal and yogurt for dinner and I let him have 1 or 2 strawberries instead of his usual 5. There's no real answer.

Just see what he can tolerate and keep an eye on it.

The diet for diarrhea is BRAT Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast in addition
to clear liquids. no dairy or citrus. Hope he feels better!
S.

My daughter had lots of problems with diarrhea and vomiting. When she was hospitalized the doctor told me about the BRAT diet for diarrhea. It means - Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. This is what you give them to firm up their system. Works great every time. If not, contact your doctor as it should not go on very long, they are losing too many nutrients! Good Luck.

I have a old wives tale that my aunt told me last year when my son had his first diarrhea. Go get the regular Jello-O mix (doesn't matter what favor), mix it with water and let your son drink it for few times. The diarrhea should be gone soon. It worked with my son and I really hope it'll work on yours. Good Luck!

If he's asking for food, feed the poor guy! :-) My daughter had the diarrhea for 3 days and since she wasnt throwing up, I kept her fed full of Bananas and waffles. The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet is very helpful in these situations. I also gave her pedialyte, but not the clear kind as it's yucky. She likes the orange, so that's what she got.