National Library of Medicine

Menu Search Español

Home → Medical Encyclopedia → When your child has diarrhea

When your child has diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools. For some
children, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days.
For others, it may last longer. It can make your child lose too
much fluid (dehydrated) and feel weak.

The stomach flu is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical

treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments
can also cause diarrhea.

This article speaks of diarrhea in children over 1 year of age.

Drinking Fluids

Diet for Children With Diarrhea

In many cases, you can continue feeding your child as

usual. The diarrhea will normally go away in time,
without any changes or treatment. But while children
have diarrhea, they should:

Eat small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big

meals.

Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels and soup.

When necessary, changes in the diet may help. No

specific diet is recommended. But children often do
better with bland foods. Give your child foods such as:

Baked or broiled beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey

Cooked eggs

Bananas and other fresh fruits

Applesauce

Bread products made from refined, white flour

Pasta or white rice

Cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal,

and cornflakes

Pancakes and waffles made with white flour

Cornbread, prepared or served with very little

honey or syrup

Cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans,

mushrooms, beets, asparagus tips, acorn squash,
and peeled zucchini

Some desserts and snacks, such as Jell-O,

popsicles, cakes, cookies, or sherbet

Baked potatoes

In general, removing seeds and skins from these foods

is best.

Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If dairy products are

making the diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating,
your child may need to stop eating or drinking dairy
products for a few days.

Children should be allowed to take their time returning to

their normal eating habits. For some children, a return to
their regular diet can also bring a return of diarrhea. This
is often due to mild problems the gut has while
absorbing regular foods.

Things Your Child Should Avoid

Eating or Drinking

When to Call the Doctor

References

Review Date 12/10/2021

Learn how to cite this page

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

Browse the Encyclopedia

Was this page helpful?

Yes No

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for

Health Content Provider (www.urac.org).

URAC's accreditation program is an

independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M.

follows rigorous standards of quality and

accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first

to achieve this important distinction for

Health Content Provider online health information and services.

06/01/2025 Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial

policy editorial process and privacy

policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies

with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or

for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be

consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all

medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do

not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2023, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited

without authorization. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from

MedlinePlus.

About MedlinePlus
What's New
Site Map
Customer Support

Get updates

Subscribe to RSS

Follow us

Social Media Toolkit

NLM Web Policies

Copyright
Accessibility
Guidelines for Links
Viewers & Players
HHS Vulnerability Disclosure
MedlinePlus Connect for EHRs
For Developers

National Library of Medicine

8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health