10 Ways To Stop Diarrhea In Toddlers Fast And Naturally
Diarrhea is a very common health problem in babies and children. Viral infections are the most common causes of diarrhea in toddlers. Medication side effects, food allergies, parasites and bacteria are the other possible causes. Home remedy is sufficient to stop diarrhea in toddlers if it is not persist for more than 36 hours. However, immediate medical intervention is required if diarrhea is accompanied by high fever or other symptoms. You must keep your toddler well hydrated, which is the most important consideration while the diarrhea runs. Diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration in toddlers, which in turn causes serious health problems.
Diarrhea can be mild and acute. If not treated properly, it can be dangerous. Besides unusual bowel movements, your child may also experience loss of appetite, fever, cramps, stomach pain, nausea, blood or mucus in stools, etc. Yellow diarrhea toddlers is a common problem and it can be the indication of a stomach infection. The immune system of toddlers is still under development. So, their bodies are not able to fight against infections. Therefore, pale yellow loose stool is very common among kids. If your toddler is suffering from diarrhea, he/she may pass stools of varying colors. Green stools is normal for newborns that breastfeed exclusively. Lack of food can also cause bright green poop in toddlers. Green diarrhea toddlers must be given plenty of clear fluids.
Home Remedies For Diarrhea In Toddlers:
Toddler diarrhea is more watery and looser than normal stools. It can also occur more frequently than usual. You must contact a doctor immediately if your toddler has lethargy or prolonged diarrhea, severe abdominal pain or blood in his stools. However, you can manage mild cases of diarrhea at your home.
1.) Keep your Child Hydrated
Dehydration is the major complication of diarrhea. In order to prevent it, you should offer clear liquids to your child that includes clear broth, white grape juice and water. If your kid is in breast feeding age, it should be done frequently. To prevent depletion of electrolyte, you can offer electrolyte replacement drink to your child. Sugary drinks must be avoided because it can worse diarrhea.
2.) Diet
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, BRAT diet is helpful to stop diarrhea in toddlers. This diet consists of rice, bananas, toast and applesauce. The stomach of toddlers is highly delicate. As these foods are bland, they will not upset their stomach. Potassium content in banana is helpful for your child after a bout with diarrhea. Once you start BRAT diet, fruits and vegetables should be introduced again in their diet only after 48 hours. Meat and dairy products can be offered if your child is well tolerated to these foods.
Besides BRAT diet, you can also give yogurt, cooked white potato, pasta, cooked carrots, dry toast, etc to your toddler. However, you should strictly avoid certain foods such as cow’s milk based formula, diary products except yogurt, pear juice, apple juice, peaches, apricots, cherry juice, pears, plums, dried plums, and peas. Apple juice is bad for toddler with diarrhea. But applesauce is good. It is because applesauce is manufactured from the whole fruit. On the other hand, apple juice contains sorbitol, a natural sugar. Sorbitol can either cause or aggravate diarrhea.
3.) Increase Fat and Fiber
Toddler’s diarrhea is a chronic form of diarrhea. It may affect some toddlers. In such case, you should increase the amount of fat and fiber in their diet. You can provide beans, cereals, whole grain breads, fresh vegetables and fruits, etc to your child.
4.) Banana
It contain lots of essential nutrients so it is considered as the most perfect food for toddlers. Essential electrolyte potassium content in banana is helpful for muscles and it regulates blood chemistry of your child. It is also a rich source of zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. Banana contains natural sweetness so your babies love them. It can also provide lots of energy to your child that is helpful for their growth and development. However, unripe bananas can cause constipation, so it should be avoided. You can offer bananas to your baby while recovering diarrhea because it is useful for replacing the lost electrolyte.
5.) Fenugreen Seeds
Fenugreen seeds contain high amount of mucilage, which is considered as a highly useful natural cure for diarrhea. Fenugreek seeds have the power to bulk up the stool. In such a way, it significantly improves the discomfort and severity of diarrhea. You can offer 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds along with 1 tablespoon of yogurt to your toddler. However, this remedy is not suitable for your kid if she/he suffers acute or chronic diarrhea.
6.) Ginger
Ginger is highly helpful for the overall digestive health. Therefore, it is a good option for treating diarrhea as well. One teaspoon of dried ginger powder can be mixed with cinnamon powder, cumin powder and honey. This should be consumed three times a day. Drinking ginger tea 2-3 times daily is also helpful.
7.) Apple Cider Vinegar
It has antibacterial properties, which is highly useful for treating diarrhea caused by bacteria. The pectin content in this product is helpful for soothing spasms. A mixture of 2-3 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water can be provided to your child for two times in a day. It is highly helpful for improving the condition.
8.) Blueberries
The anthocyanosides element in blueberries have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is also coming with high amount of soluble-fiber, which is helpful for easing diarrhea symptoms. Chewing blueberries several times a day is the best way to stop diarrhea. This is helpful for killing the germs that cause diarrhea. Soup that is made with dried blueberries can also be given to your child.
9.) Potatoes
It is another effective food that is used for combating diarrhea. Eating pain or boiled potato is helpful to restore lost nutrients. It also provide comfort to an upset stomach. However, spicy potatoes should be avoided because it can worsen the situation.
10.) White Rice
This is another excellent food that helps to treat diarrhea in toddlers. The content of starch is very high in white rice so it is very easy to digest. Plain boiled white rice can also be used but should avoid spices or sauces.
When to See the Doctor?
If the diarrhea in toddler is normal, his/her stools are typically light to dark brown. However, it there is grease, mucus or blood in the toddler’s stool, it indicates severe problems such as parasite or cystic fibrosis. If the bowl movement of your child is not normal, you should consult a doctor. Immediate medical attention is required if your child shows signs and symptoms such as
- Bloody diarrhea
- Repeated vomiting
- Refuses to eat or drink anything
- Behavioral changes including decreased responsiveness or lethargy
- Abdominal pain
Tips to Prevent Diarrhea in Toddlers:
It is not so possible to prevent toddlers from getting infections that cause diarrhea. However, you can lessen the problem if you follow some tips.
- Make sure that your kids wash their hands perfectly before eating and after using toilet. If yours’ or your kids’ hands are dirty, they can carry infectious germs that enter in to bodies when your toddler suck their thumbs or bite their nails. It can also enter in the body of your babies when they eat with their fingers.
- Keep the surfaces of bathroom clean, which prevents the spread of infectious germs
- Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating
- Meats should be kept in refrigerator as soon as possible
- Keep the feeding areas of pets separate from family eating areas