What to do when a child has diarrhea? 5 quick and safe home remedies

Diarrhea in children is a very common condition in young children and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization due to dehydration. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhea globally each year, many of which can become dangerous if not properly rehydrated and cared for. When a baby has frequent, loose stools, cries, has a poor appetite, or is tired, most parents worry about how to handle it to help their child recover quickly and avoid complications.

In this article, Tiptory will guide parents on how to care for a child with diarrhea at home safely, from rehydrating a child with diarrhea, adjusting their diet, recognizing signs of dehydration, to knowing when to take them to the doctor. These simple, easy-to-follow guidelines will help children recover faster, while reducing the risk of complications and protecting their digestive health.

Part 1: Effective Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Babies

Method 1: Proper Rehydration for Diarrhea in Children

Prioritize rehydration to prevent dehydration

• When a child has diarrhea, their body loses a lot of water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium through loose stools. If not rehydrated promptly, the child can become dehydrated, tired, have dry lips, sunken eyes, reduced urination, or even require hospitalization.
• The most important thing is to give the child water frequently in small amounts, spread throughout the day, especially after each bowel movement.

Proper use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

• Prioritize Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) according to the doctor's instructions or the instructions on the packaging. This solution is designed to replenish water and electrolytes that the child's body has lost due to diarrhea.
• Do not arbitrarily mix ORS more concentrated or diluted than specified, as this can reduce its effectiveness or harm the child's health.
• ORS is widely available in pharmacies, helping to safely and effectively rehydrate children with diarrhea.

Do not just give plain water to children

• Plain water helps quench thirst but cannot replace the sodium, potassium, and other minerals lost during diarrhea in children.
• Therefore, drinking only plain water is not enough to prevent dehydration. Parents should combine plain water with ORS as advised by healthcare professionals.

Avoid sugary drinks

• Do not give children sugary sodas, sports drinks, or fruit juices with added sugar when they have diarrhea.
• The high sugar content in these drinks can draw water into the intestines, causing more frequent bowel movements and prolonging the diarrhea.
• If the child refuses to drink ORS or shows signs of severe dehydration, take them to a medical facility for assessment by a doctor and guidance on appropriate rehydration methods.

Method 2: Choose appropriate foods for children

Prioritize familiar foods for the child

• When a child has diarrhea, their digestive system becomes more sensitive than usual. Therefore, parents should give their child foods they have eaten and tolerated well before.
• Maintaining familiar foods helps stabilize the intestinal tract and reduces the risk of irritation, while still providing energy for the child to recover.

Do not introduce new foods while the child has diarrhea

• This is not the right time to introduce new foods, even those considered nutritious.
• If the child has a reaction such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or worsening diarrhea, it will be very difficult for parents to determine whether the cause is the illness or the new food.

Limit sugary foods and drinks

• Sweets, sodas, milk tea, fruit juices with added sugar, or other sugary foods can prolong diarrhea in children.
• High sugar content increases the amount of water in the intestines, making stools looser and potentially increasing the frequency of bowel movements.

Avoid foods that have previously upset the child

• If the child has previously experienced bloating, abdominal pain, allergies, or digestive upset after eating certain foods, parents should not give those foods again while the child has diarrhea.
• Choosing safe and appropriate foods will help the digestive system recover better.

Monitor the child's reaction after each meal

• After eating, observe whether the child experiences abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, or more frequent bowel movements.
• If you notice that a food makes diarrhea in children worse, stop giving that food and choose other easily digestible foods until the child fully recovers.

Method 3: Give the child easily digestible foods

Prioritize easily digestible foods when the child has diarrhea

• When a child has diarrhea, parents should choose soft, easily digestible foods to reduce pressure on the intestines and support recovery.
• A suitable diet not only helps the child absorb nutrients better but also contributes to improving the consistency of loose stools.

Apply the BRAT diet correctly

• The BRAT diet is often used short-term for children with digestive upset, including:
  • Ripe bananas.
  • Rice or rice porridge.
  • Mashed apples or unsweetened applesauce.
  • Whole-wheat toast or toast appropriate for the child's age.
• These foods are soft, easily digestible, and can help firm up stools in some children.

Supplement soluble fiber in appropriate amounts

• Bananas and apples are natural sources of soluble fiber (pectin), which can help absorb water in the intestines, thereby improving diarrhea in children.
• However, parents still need to ensure the child eats a varied diet as the diarrhea subsides to meet all nutritional needs.

Adjust the menu if the child has allergies or food intolerances

• Do not strictly follow the BRAT diet if the child is allergic to or intolerant of any of the above foods.
• For example, if the child has gluten intolerance, replace regular bread with gluten-free bread as advised by a doctor or nutritionist.

Do not rely solely on the BRAT diet for a long time

• The BRAT diet is only suitable for a short period when a child has diarrhea. After symptoms improve, parents should gradually add all food groups such as lean meat, fish, eggs, milk (if the child tolerates it), vegetables, and fruits to help the child recover quickly and develop healthily.

Method 4: Supplement yogurt correctly

Give children yogurt with live cultures

• If a child has diarrhea but can still eat and drink, parents can give them yogurt containing live cultures, appropriate for their age.
• These beneficial bacteria help balance the intestinal microbiota, support digestion, and can shorten the duration of diarrhea in some children.

Choose the right type of yogurt

• Prioritize low-sugar or unsweetened yogurt, explicitly labeled as containing live probiotic cultures.
• If the child doesn't like a certain flavor, parents can choose a type they find more palatable to make supplementation easier.

Increase the child's interest in eating

• If the child has a poor appetite or doesn't want to eat yogurt, parents can freeze it into popsicles or divide it into small portions to make it more enjoyable for the child.
• Avoid adding excessive sugar, syrup, or sweet toppings, as this can prolong diarrhea in children.

Notes on using yogurt

• Not all cases of diarrhea in children are suitable for yogurt. If the child has a dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, or experiences abdominal pain, bloating, or worsening diarrhea after eating, stop using it and consult a doctor.
• Yogurt is only a supportive measure and does not replace rehydration with ORS, a proper diet, and treatment methods prescribed by healthcare professionals.

Method 5: Increase healthy fats appropriately

Supplement healthy fats to aid recovery

• In some cases, a slight increase in healthy fats in the diet can help provide extra energy for children with diarrhea, especially when they have a poor appetite or are losing weight.
• Supplementation should be done gradually, monitoring the child's tolerance, and avoiding forcing them to eat too much at once.

Prioritize easily digestible fat sources

• Parents can add a small amount of the following foods to the child's meals:
  • Olive oil to mix into porridge or food after cooking.
  • Moderate amounts of butter.
  • Cheese appropriate for the child's age.
  • Whole milk if the child tolerates dairy products well.

Monitor the child's reaction to milk

• Some children may temporarily have lactose intolerance after having diarrhea, leading to symptoms such as bloating, distension, or more frequent bowel movements.
• If you notice that diarrhea in children worsens after drinking milk or eating dairy products, parents should temporarily stop these food items and consult a doctor for appropriate guidance.

Do not overdo fatty foods

• Although fats provide energy, parents should not give children a lot of fried foods or greasy foods, as this can make the digestive system work harder.
• When a child has diarrhea, prioritize a balanced diet, adequate rehydration, and easily digestible foods to help the intestines recover quickly.

Part 2: When does a child with diarrhea need to see a doctor?

Note 1: Take the child to the doctor when necessary

Take your child to the doctor to determine the cause

• If a child has diarrhea suddenly, has more frequent bowel movements than usual, or their stool becomes loose, parents should closely monitor the child's condition.
• Most mild cases of diarrhea can improve at home with proper rehydration, a balanced diet, and adequate rest. However, it is still very important to take your child to a pediatrician for examination, especially when symptoms persist or there are unusual signs.

Don't be complacent about the cause of diarrhea

• Diarrhea in children can result from various causes, such as:
  • Viral, bacterial, or parasitic intestinal infections.
  • Allergies or intolerance to certain foods.
  • Side effects of medications, especially antibiotics.
  • Certain gastrointestinal diseases that require diagnosis and treatment.

The doctor will guide the appropriate treatment method

• After examination, the doctor can assess the degree of dehydration, identify the cause of the illness, and provide appropriate treatment.
• Depending on the case, the child may be advised to continue home care, adjust their diet, supplement with Oresol solution, or undergo necessary tests if a more serious cause is suspected.

Do not arbitrarily use antidiarrheal medication

• Parents should not self-administer antidiarrheal medication or antibiotics to their child without a doctor's prescription.
• Using medication incorrectly can mask symptoms, prolong the illness, or cause undesirable side effects. If a child has diarrhea that is prolonged, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by unusual signs, take them to a medical facility for early assessment.

Note 2: Differentiating acute diarrhea in children

Recognizing acute diarrhea in children

• Acute diarrhea is when a child has diarrhea lasting less than 14 days. This is the most common type of diarrhea in young children, and most cases can improve after a few days with proper care, rehydration, and nutrition.
• While often not severe, parents still need to monitor closely to detect early signs of dehydration or complications.

Common causes

• Viral infection: This is the most common cause, especially viruses that cause gastroenteritis, leading to frequent loose stools in children.
• Bacterial or parasitic infection: Children can get sick after consuming contaminated food or water.
• Antibiotic use: Some antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, leading to diarrhea in children.
• Food intolerance: Some children have difficulty digesting components like lactose or certain sugars in food.
• Food allergies: Allergies to cow's milk, eggs, soy, or other foods can also cause diarrhea along with other allergic symptoms.
• Food poisoning: Consuming spoiled food or food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins can cause sudden diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in children.

Monitor progress for timely treatment

• If a child has diarrhea lasting less than 2 weeks but is still eating, shows no signs of dehydration, and symptoms are gradually improving, parents can continue care as advised by the doctor.
• Conversely, if the child has a high fever, frequent diarrhea, blood in the stool, continuous vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, dry lips, sunken eyes, decreased urination, and lethargy, they should be taken to a medical facility for early examination and treatment.

Note 3: Ask your doctor about probiotics

Consult your doctor before using probiotics

• If a child has diarrhea that is prolonged or occurs after antibiotic use, parents should consult a doctor about supplementing with probiotics.
• Probiotics can help balance gut microbiota, support digestive function recovery, and reduce the risk of prolonged diarrhea in some children.

Not all probiotics are suitable

• The effectiveness of probiotics depends on the cause of diarrhea in children and the strain of beneficial bacteria used.
• Each type of probiotic has different effects, so not all products will be effective in all cases.

Some commonly studied probiotic strains

• Depending on the child's condition, the doctor may consider studied probiotic strains such as:
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
  • Lactobacillus reuteri.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii.
  • Or a combination of multiple probiotic strains if suitable for specific cases.

Do not use probiotics without medical advice

• Parents should not buy probiotics based solely on advertising or word-of-mouth.
• The correct product, strain, and dosage should be chosen based on a doctor's assessment, especially for young children, those with underlying conditions, or compromised immune systems.
• In addition to using probiotics when indicated, parents still need to maintain rehydration with Oresol, an appropriate diet, and close monitoring for signs of dehydration to help children with diarrhea recover safely.

Note 4: Recognizing chronic diarrhea in children

Identifying chronic diarrhea

• Chronic diarrhea is when a child has diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks or recurring frequently within a short period.
• Unlike acute diarrhea, this condition can affect a child's growth, nutrient absorption, and overall health if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Possible causes

• Inappropriate diet: Children may experience prolonged diarrhea due to intolerance to certain foods, excessive sugar intake, or consuming foods not suitable for their digestive system.
• Prolonged infection: Some bacteria, viruses, or intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea in children to last longer than usual and require treatment based on the cause.
• Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune disease where the body reacts to gluten found in wheat, barley, and some other grains, causing damage to the intestinal lining and leading to prolonged diarrhea and malabsorption.
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and require long-term monitoring by a specialist.

When to take your child to the doctor?

• If a child has diarrhea lasting more than 14 days, parents should not only treat them at home but need to take them to a medical facility to determine the cause.
• The doctor may order stool tests, blood tests, or other necessary investigations to find the exact cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Monitor the child's development

• During chronic diarrhea, parents need to monitor the child's weight, height, eating ability, and activity level.
• If the child has slow weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, poor appetite, or signs of dehydration, take them for an early examination to avoid affecting their long-term development.

Note 5: Recognizing signs of dehydration in children

Take your child to the doctor if diarrhea does not improve

• If a child has diarrhea but shows no signs of improvement after 2–3 days, parents should take them to a doctor for examination.
• Early examination helps identify the cause of the illness and determine appropriate treatment, especially for young children or those with underlying medical conditions.

Do not delay when your child shows signs of dehydration

• Dehydration is the most dangerous complication of diarrhea in children and can progress rapidly, especially in children under 5 years old.
• If you suspect your child is dehydrated, contact a doctor immediately. If you cannot reach one or symptoms progress rapidly, take your child to the nearest medical facility or emergency room.

Signs of dehydration to watch for

• Parents should take their child to the doctor immediately if one or more of the following signs appear:
  • Sunken, hollow eyes.
  • Unusual weight loss.
  • Decreased urination or dry diapers for a long time.
  • Frequent or continuous vomiting.
  • Fever of 38.5°C or higher or prolonged fever.
  • Crying with no or very few tears.
  • Dry mouth and tongue, chapped lips.
  • Child is lethargic, sleeps excessively, is difficult to wake, or reacts slowly.
  • Fussy, irritable, or more agitated than usual.

When is immediate emergency care needed?

• If a child has diarrhea accompanied by severe dehydration, lethargy, difficulty waking, convulsions, abnormal breathing, or signs of shock, parents should call for emergency medical help or take the child to the nearest hospital immediately.
• Early treatment with fluid replacement and timely medical care will help reduce the risk of serious complications and protect the child's health.

Note 6: Dangerous signs requiring emergency care

Take your child to the hospital immediately if there are warning signs

• Most cases of diarrhea in children can be managed at home. However, some symptoms are signs of serious illness and require emergency care or urgent treatment.
• If the child shows any of the signs below, parents should not wait for symptoms to improve on their own but should take the child to the hospital immediately.

Bloody stools

• Fresh red or abnormally dark blood in stools may be related to severe infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other bowel diseases.
• This is a dangerous sign that requires early medical evaluation and treatment.

High fever with continuous vomiting or diarrhea

• If a child has diarrhea accompanied by high fever and severe vomiting, the risk of dehydration increases rapidly.
• The child needs to be examined to identify the cause and receive timely fluid replacement and treatment.

Frequent vomiting, inability to keep down food or drink

• Continuous vomiting prevents the child from rehydrating orally, increasing the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• In this case, the child may need intravenous fluids at a medical facility.

Abdominal distension, swelling, or pain when touched

• A swollen, distended, or very painful abdomen when touched can be a sign of bowel obstruction, enteritis, or other surgical conditions that require urgent treatment.
• Parents should not give their child painkillers without a doctor's examination.

Pale skin or unusual red spots

• Bluish, pale skin or the appearance of many small red spots on the skin can be a sign of severe infection or a blood clotting disorder.
• This is an urgent situation that requires emergency care to identify the cause and initiate immediate treatment.

Severe or prolonged abdominal pain, especially in the right lower abdomen

• Severe, continuous, or localized pain in the right iliac fossa may be related to appendicitis or other emergency conditions, not just diarrhea in children.
• If the child has severe abdominal pain, refuses to eat, cries excessively, or is afraid to move due to pain, take them to the hospital as soon as possible.

Do not delay emergency care

• When a child has diarrhea accompanied by any of the dangerous signs mentioned above, early treatment is crucial in preventing complications. Parents should not self-treat at home or wait for symptoms to subside but should take the child to a medical facility with a pediatric specialist for timely management.

Notes when caring for a child with diarrhea

Strictly follow doctor's instructions

• When a child has diarrhea, parents must follow the treatment regimen and care instructions from the pediatrician.
• Do not arbitrarily change medications, stop treatment, or apply traditional remedies without medical advice.
• If the child's condition does not improve or abnormal signs appear, take the child for re-examination immediately.

Do not give children sugary foods and drinks

• Limit carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, milk tea, candies, sugary fruit juices, and sweetened beverages.
• High sugar content can increase the amount of water in the intestines, making diarrhea in children prolonged or more severe.
• Instead, prioritize Oresol solution, water, and an appropriate diet as instructed by the doctor.

Do not arbitrarily use adult anti-diarrhea medication for children

• Absolutely do not give children with diarrhea adult anti-diarrhea medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Some medications can cause serious side effects in young children, mask symptoms, or make diagnosing the cause more difficult.
• Medication use for children must be based on age, weight, and the cause of diarrhea.

Closely monitor the child's condition

• During care, parents should monitor the frequency of bowel movements, the amount of water the child drinks, eating ability, body temperature, and signs of dehydration.
• If the child has prolonged diarrhea, bloody stools, high fever, severe vomiting, lethargy, or any dangerous signs, take the child to a medical facility immediately for timely treatment.

References

1. World Health Organization. Diarrhoeal disease. World Health Organization.
2. World Health Organization. Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children: Guidelines for the Management of Common Childhood Illnesses. 3rd ed. World Health Organization.
3. United Nations Children's Fund. Pneumonia and Diarrhoea: Tackling the Deadliest Diseases for the World's Poorest Children. UNICEF.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide. American Academy of Pediatrics.
5. American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric Nutrition. 8th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing Acute Gastroenteritis Among Children: Oral Rehydration, Maintenance, and Nutritional Therapy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diarrhea in Children. National Institutes of Health.
8. National Health Service. Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Babies and Children. NHS England.
9. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Diarrhoea and Vomiting Caused by Gastroenteritis in Under 5s: Diagnosis and Management. NICE Guideline.
10. European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Working Group for Probiotics and Prebiotics, et al. Probiotics for the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: An Update. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
11. Guarino A, Ashkenazi S, Gendrel D, Lo Vecchio A, Shamir R, Szajewska H. European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition/European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children in Europe. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
12. Szajewska H, Canani RB, Guarino A, et al. Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: A Systematic Review and Recommendations. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
13. Freedman SB, Xie J, Neufeld MS, Hamilton WL, Hartling L, Tarr PI. Shifting Paradigms in the Treatment of Pediatric Gastroenteritis. JAMA Pediatrics.
    

Content edited by: Sidney Bailey Hoang.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Mia Taylor.