Diarrhea (Children and Infants)

Diarrhea
(Children and Infants)
What is it?
*Loss of fluids- infant or child needs adequate oral fluids and electrolytesPedialyte, Rehydralyte, Resol, or Infalyte are good oral rehydration
formulas to help improve water and sodium absorption
What are the Causes and Treatments?
*Viral Infection-short term, limit food and formula 1-2 days, hydrate with Clear
Liquids 24 to 48 hours or ask your Physician
See FFF Clear Liquid Diet Plan
restart 2 day with formula, small feedings 2-3 days and increase as tolerated
*Overfeeding-Feed smaller amounts, less feedings
*Milk intolerance-use hypoallergenic formula or lactose-free
*Food Allergy-check for newly introduced foods
*Excess use of fruit juice-talk with a Registered Dietitian or Physician,
use a smaller amount
*Bacterial Infection-refer to Physician
*SwallowingAir-burp 2-4 times per feeding, prop up 30 to 40 minutes after feedings
*Excessive fat intake-decrease fat intake to improve rate of stomach emptying
and gastric motility
What do I need to do?
*See a Physician
*Do not boil milk, do not use flat carbonated drinks, cottage cheese,
gelatin drinks or weak tea, Gatorade is not recommended for infants and children
because of their high sugar and low electrolyte content
*Corn syrup is not recommended for children
< 1 year of age due to the danger of botulism