Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles Toddler Illness

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Diarrhea can be caused due to many factors such as, bacteria, virus, antibiotics, eating undercooked meat and fish or even by simply consuming too much fruit juices.

Diet is an important factor in the treatment of diarrhea. There is no specific diarrhea diet for toddlers, however intake of certain kind of foods can help in quick recovery, and eating the wrong kind of foods can actually worsen the symptoms.

Foods to Eat

Usually parents are advised to continue feeding the child as per their daily routine, but a regular appetite during an illness is normally not possible.Though there is no particular diet for diarrhea, doctors normally recommend certain foods which are soft on the stomach and which can be tolerated by the child. These include bland and non-spicy food, starchy food which are low in fiber, hence easier to digest, salty foods which help in retaining some of the sodium lost by the body, and foods rich in pectin. The list of some recommended foods include:

• White rice
• Pasta
• Plain, boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Bananas
• Carrots
• Blueberries
• Salty crackers or pretzels
• Baked, skinless chicken or steamed chicken
• Toast
• Oatmeal
• Noodles
• Applesauce

Dairy products are generally not recommended because many children suffering from diarrhea show intolerance to lactose, however there is one exception - Yogurt. Intake of yogurt, especially those that have active cultures is helpful in relieving symptoms of diarrhea.

Foods to Avoid

What not to eat during diarrhea is just as important for children as what they can eat. Foods which are hard to digest, have a laxative effect and which cause gas and feeling of nausea and/or bloating are not recommended. Some foods which need to be avoided include:

• Fruit juices, since they can further aggravate the occurrence of loose stool.
• Dairy products like milk, butter, soft cheese (ricotta and cottage cheese), Ice cream
• Fatty, greasy and fried foods
• Foods with a lot of gravy or cream
• Diet soda
• Sugar-free candy or gum
• Vegetables which encourage production of gas such as, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions and peas

To prevent diarrhea, children traveling outside the United States should avoid:

• Drinking without boiling it or using it to brush teeth
• Eating raw fruit/vegetables/salads or already cut fruit, rare meat and fish and street-side food

Fluids for Recovering

Retaining fluid in toddlers with diarrhea is paramount since loss of excess water can lead to dehydration. Drinking water is important, however too much water alone is not recommended because water does not contain any sugar or sodium. Sodium aids in water retention in the body. Fluids recommended for children with diarrhea include:

• Over-the-counter products likeRehydralyte and Pedialyte
• Popsicles
• Jell-o
• Gatorade (light colored ones)
• Clear soups and sodas
• Clear juices mixed with water.

You could also try a homemade solution in an emergency situation. This can be made by adding exactly 6 level tsp. of sugar and 1/2 tsp. of salt to one liter of water. This solution can be given to the child in small sips or tablespoons throughout the day.

References:
Bhutta ZA. Acute gastroenteritis in children.In: Kliegman RM,Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds.Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 332.

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