An infant’s feces are much softer than that of an adult. If it suddenly becomes semi-liquid or more watery and happens more frequently in larger amounts, it may be diarrhea. Diarrhea in infants and toddlers is a prevalent issue. It’s not a matter of being worried too much as the home remedies can cure loose motion. But most of the parents fear dehydration and painful diaper rashes during diarrhea. Some parents are thinking about foods, what to feed, or what not to. After going through this write-up, you will get a thorough idea of why your tot has diarrhea and how to prevent it. Read till the end.
Causes of Diarrhea in Babies:
Remember that diarrhea is the body’s defense system to throw out germs from the gut. However, the body also throws out fluid, electrolytes, and nutrients. Babies can have two forms of diarrhea, chronic and acute. Babies can have two forms of diarrhea, chronic and acute. Chronic or persistent diarrhea exists for more than two weeks, where acute diarrhea lasts less than 14 days. The leading causes of diarrhea in babies are:
- Infected food and water
- Putting dirty hands in the mouth
- Eating roadside foods
- Food prepared in contaminated water
- Having too much vegetables/ fruits/meat
- Food sensitivities
- Some medications
And most of these include attacks with viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Most commonly, E.Coli bacteria and Rotavirus cause diarrhea. Usually, babies from 6 months to 2 years get affected by Rotavirus. Rotavirus contains a large number of germs, so it spreads quickly. From 6 to 32 weeks, protect your kid with a vaccine named Rotateq that works against Rotaviruses.
When is Diarrhea Dangerous?
Diarrhea is especially dangerous in infants less than four months. If any newborn has diarrhea for about 24 hours with watery and loose stools more than three times, then you should consult with a pediatrician.
Please contact immediately with the doctor if you see any of the below:
- Stool contains blood
- Vomiting
- Fever
- The baby has not peed over six hours.
How to stop diarrhea in babies fast at home?
For diarrhea, baby or adult, whoever the patient is, it’s better to go for a healthier diet plan than medications. Diarrhea brings out body fluids and essential electrolytes through stool. So it’s crucial to maintain the body’s fluid level by taking much water or liquids. Also, ensure that your baby consumes the food items which are essential for hardening stool. Let’s see below which you should feed your baby and which you should avoid.
What do You Feed a Baby with Diarrhea?
Some types of food can cause hardening of the stool. These types of food you need to feed your baby to control fluid flow as stools. Take a look:
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Rice cereal or oatmeal.
• Toasted bread
• White potato (mashed, without additives)
• Applesauce
• Pasta
Some Other Home Remedies for Diarrhea:
• Stewed apple with cinnamon and honey
• Coconut water provides electrolytes to ensure the body’s hydration.
• Lemon juice with sugar- restores the fluid loss.
• Pomegranate juice helps in soothing the stomach.
• Mint, Cumin, and lemon to break down sticky mucus
Pediatricians also suggest yogurts, most babies have digestion problem with dairy products, so it’s wise to avoid all dairy products except yogurt. Yogurt’s bacteria help in the digestion procedure.
Foods to Avoid with Baby Diarrhea:
• Dairy products, except yogurt
• Fruits such as prunes, plums, pears, and peaches
• Spicy foods or sauces
• Oils or butter
Don’t forget- The most important thing is to maintain hydration during diarrhea, so keep giving juice and plenty of water every hour. Please consult with pediatricians always before feeding as per the above instruction. Some foods may cause allergies to your baby. You need to stop giving those items if you want to prevent diarrhea in babies fast.
Prevention is Better than Cure:
Always try to keep baby items like bottles, sippy, and transition cups free from germs or other toxic chemicals like BPA. Proper hand-washing, proper cleaning of baby bottles, or feeding items can decrease diarrhea.
