Diarrhea is very common in toddlers. It can be caused by an immature immune system, a change in diet, teething or a viral infection. Here are some tips for treating diarrhea in toddlers.

Offer Plenty of Fluids

Keep your toddler hydrated. Diarrhea can cause dehydration so make sure your toddler gets plenty of fluids. Offer clear fluids such as water and milk or have him suck on ice chips or popsicles. Avoid giving your toddler sweet and caffeinated drinks like fruit juice (especially apple and orange juice), soda and sports drinks since excess sugar can drain water out of the intestines, making diarrhea worse. If your toddler is unable to keep fluids down, give your toddler an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte to replenish the body of electrolytes.

Try The BRAT Diet

Feed your toddler bland, solid foods. Doctors recommend following the BRAT diet to speed up the recovery process. The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast. These foods are flavorless and starchy which are easy on the stomach and helps create more solid stools. Over the next 48 hours, gradually include carbohydrate and fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt (that contains lactobacillus) and lean meat into his diet.

Change Diapers Frequently

If your toddler is not yet potty trained, change his diaper immediately after a bout of diarrhea. Clean his bottom and make sure it is dry before applying a diaper rash cream to keep his bottom from becoming irritated due to the loose stools.

Cuddle Your Toddler

Comfort your toddler as much as possible. Cuddle, talk to him and give him a hug and a kiss. These actions can soothe your toddler which can help reduce some of the discomfort that comes with the condition.

Make Sure Your Toddler Gets Plenty of Rest

Do not allow your toddler to play physically demanding activities for now. His body needs as much rest as it can get to recuperate and strengthen the immune system. Instead, perform quiet activities together such as reading, singing a song, coloring, stacking blocks and completing a jigsaw puzzle.

Do Not Self-medicate

Stay away from over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless a child health expert prescribes it. Sure, it hurts to see your toddler in pain but offering this drug is very hazardous as it contains bismuth subsalicylate, a substance similar to aspirin which can cause a serious health condition known as Reye’s syndrome.

Seek Expert Help

If the diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or your baby has a high fever (more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit), vomits multiple times, shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth and irregular urination) and blood appears in the stool, consult with your doctor. Your toddler may need to undergo several tests for signs of issues such as bacterial and intestinal infections which require medical intervention.

Diarrhea is not a serious ailment when treated properly. By taking immediate action, your toddler will be in tiptop condition once again in no time.