Foods For Toddlers During Loose Motion: Stop Diarrhea in 2 Days

Summary: Seeing your toddler suffering from diarrhea can be disheartening. This blog will cover some best foods for toddlers during loose motion. Apart from the BRAT diet, you can go for boiled potatoes, oatmeal, curd, and more. 

Is your child having diarrhea? Are you looking for some foods for toddlers during loose motion? Seeing your child in such discomfort can be stressful for any parent. 

Dealing with diarrhea in toddlers can be tricky, but with the right diet, you can help ease their symptoms and speed up recovery. Today, we’ll walk you through what foods to offer, what to avoid, and some simple tips to keep your child hydrated and comfortable. Whether it’s bland rice or soothing bananas, we’ve got plenty of kid-approved options that are gentle on their tummies.

So, let’s dive in and discover how you can help your toddler bounce back from loose motion in no time. But, let’s find out some cause behind loose motions in toddlers first.  

What Causes Long-Lasting Diarrhea in Kids?

Here are the common reasons why children might have diarrhea that doesn’t go away:

1. Tummy Infections

Kids can get germs in their stomachs from bad food, dirty water, or other people. These germs can cause long-lasting diarrhea. Even after the infection is gone, some kids might have trouble digesting certain foods for a while, which keeps the diarrhea going.

2. Celiac Disease

This happens when a child’s body can’t handle gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can make kids of any age have diarrhea for a long time.

3. Food Issues

• Food Allergies: Some kids’ bodies react badly to certain foods, especially milk, dairy products, or soy. This can cause diarrhea.

• Lactose Intolerance: This means a child can’t digest milk sugar well. It usually starts after age 2 when the body makes less of the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar.

• Fructose Intolerance: Some kids have trouble with fruit sugar, found in fruits, juices, and some sweet drinks.

• Sucrose Intolerance: This is when kids can’t handle regular table sugar well.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

This includes two main conditions – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are more serious and can start in grade school or teenage years. They cause long-lasting tummy problems, including diarrhea.

5. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

This means there are too many bacteria in the small intestine or the wrong kind. It often happens because of other stomach problems like Crohn’s disease.

If your child has diarrhea that won’t go away, seeing a doctor is important. They can determine what’s causing it and help your child feel better.

BRAT Diet During Loose Motion 

The BRAT diet, a bland-food diet consisting of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a highly recommended dietary approach for toddlers recovering from gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This diet, with its easy-to-digest and nutrient-rich components, can significantly aid in the recovery process.

These foods are easy to digest, help make stools firmer, and provide necessary nutrients without irritating the stomach. Let’s break down the BRAT diet and explain each component in detail:

B – Banana

Bananas are an excellent food for toddlers with loose motion for several reasons:

• They’re rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps absorb excess fluid in the intestines and can help firm up stools.
• Bananas are high in potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost during diarrhea.
• They’re easy to digest and have a mild, sweet taste that many toddlers enjoy.
• Ripe bananas are soft and easy for young children to eat, even when they’re not feeling well.

In fact, Bananas are good for cold & cough as well.

R – Rice

Rice, particularly white rice, is beneficial during episodes of diarrhea:

• It’s low in fiber and easy to digest, giving the digestive system a chance to rest.
• The starch in rice can help absorb water in the intestines, potentially firming up loose stools.
• Plain rice is unlikely to irritate the stomach or intestines.
• It provides some energy without putting stress on the digestive system.

A – Applesauce

Applesauce is another helpful food for toddlers with diarrhea:

• Like bananas, it contains pectin, which can help firm up stools.
• It’s easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
• Applesauce provides some hydration along with easily digestible carbohydrates.
• The mild, sweet taste usually appeals to children, even when they feel unwell.

T – Toast

Toast, particularly made from white bread, can be beneficial:

• It’s a simple carbohydrate that’s easy to digest.
• Toasting the bread makes it easier on the stomach than plain bread.
• It can help absorb excess fluids in the intestines.
• Toast provides some energy without being too heavy or rich.

Additional Foods for Toddlers During Loose Motion 

So, yeah BRAT is one of the most recommended diets for loose motions. However, to give you broader options, here are some more foods for toddlers during loose motion, you can opt for: 

1. Noodles or Pasta

It shouldn’t be your first choice, but if your toddler enjoys them. Plain, cooked noodles or pasta are excellent options for children with diarrhea. They’re easy to digest and can help firm up stools due to their starch content. 

Opt for white pasta rather than whole grain during this time. Serve them plain or with a small amount of olive oil. Avoid heavy sauces or cheese, as these can be hard on the digestive system. The bland nature of plain pasta makes it less likely to irritate the stomach or intestines.

2. Oatmeal

Another one of the best foods for toddlers during loose motion is oatmeal. It is a nutritious and gentle food for toddlers having diarrhea. It contains soluble fiber, which can help absorb excess fluid in the intestines and firm up stools. Prepare it with water instead of milk to make it easier to digest. 

Plain oatmeal is best, but you can add a small amount of honey (for children over 1 year) or mashed banana for flavor. The warm, soft texture can be soothing and comforting for a child who’s not feeling well.

3. Curd (Yogurt)

Plain, unsweetened yogurt or curd can be beneficial during bouts of diarrhea. It contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome. 

These good bacteria may help fight off the organisms causing diarrhea. Yogurt is also a good source of protein and can help replace some of the nutrients lost during illness. Choose plain varieties without added sugars or flavors, and avoid yogurt with fruit pieces during this time.

4. Coconut Water

Coconut water is an excellent natural source of hydration and electrolytes. When children have diarrhea, they lose a lot of fluids and essential minerals. Coconut water can help replenish these, particularly potassium. It’s naturally sweet, making it more appealing to children than plain water, and it’s gentler on the stomach than many commercial electrolyte drinks. Ensure it’s 100% pure coconut water without added sugars.

5. Potatoes

Potatoes are a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates and potassium. They can be served boiled, baked, or mashed (without milk or butter). The starch in potatoes can help absorb excess water in the intestines, potentially firming up loose stools. 

They’re also a good source of energy when a child may not have much appetite. Avoid fried potatoes or potato chips, as the fat content can worsen diarrhea.

6. Fluids

Maintaining hydration is crucial when a child has diarrhea. Offer small amounts of fluids frequently throughout the day. Water is the best option, but you can also give clear broths, weak tea, or oral rehydration solutions. 

It’s always good to give ORS after every loose motion. Avoid sugary drinks or fruit juices, as these can worsen diarrhea. If breastfeeding, continue offering breast milk as it provides hydration and nutrients.

7. Pancakes and Waffles

Plain pancakes or waffles made with white flour can be comforting for a child with diarrhea. They’re easy to digest, and the starch can help firm up stools. Serve them plain or with a small amount of honey (for children over 1 year). Avoid butter, syrup, or other toppings that might be hard on the digestive system. These foods can provide some energy when a child’s appetite is low.

8. Cereals

Refined, low-fiber cereals like Cream of Wheat, Farina, and Cornflakes are good options during bouts of diarrhea. They’re easy to digest and help absorb excess fluid in the intestines. Prepare hot cereals with water instead of milk. 

You can use a small amount of milk or a milk alternative if tolerated for cold cereals. These cereals provide energy and nutrients without too much stress on the digestive system.

What Foods to Avoid During Loose Motion? 

There are certain foods you should avoid when your child has loose motions. Here are some of them:

• Dairy Products: Milk, ice cream, heavy cream, and high-fat cottage cheese can worsen diarrhea and upset the stomach.

• Fried Foods: Greasy foods like french fries, bacon, and other fried items are bad for your toddler’s digestion.

• High-Fiber Foods: Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, peas, corn, beans, dried fruit, and whole grains can be very hard to digest.

• Spicy Foods: Spicy ingredients can upset their tummy, so it’s best to avoid spicy foods until they feel better.

• Sugary Foods and Artificial Sweeteners: Too much sugar and artificial sweeteners can worsen diarrhea and disrupt the digestive system.

• Gas-Promoting Vegetables: Veggies like broccoli, cabbage, peppers, prunes, chickpeas, and leafy greens can cause gas and discomfort.

• Other Foods: Processed foods, pork, veal, sardines, raw vegetables, and onions can irritate their tummy and worsen diarrhea.

Opting for simple and gentle foods can significantly aid in your toddler’s recovery, helping them feel better at a faster pace. Apart from these foods, it’s crucial for your baby to take a proper rest. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated, as it allows the body to heal and regain strength.

When to See a Doctor?

While, in most cases, it’s easy to manage diarrhea in toddlers at home with proper diet and hydration, there are times when medical attention is necessary. You should consult a doctor if:

1. The diarrhea persists for more than a few days without improvement.
2. You notice signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urination.
3. There’s blood in the stool, or the stools are black and tarry.
4. Your child has a high fever along with diarrhea.
5. The child shows signs of severe abdominal pain.
6. Your toddler is unable to keep any fluids down due to vomiting.
7. There are symptoms of weight loss or failure to thrive.
8. The diarrhea keeps recurring, even after seeming to improve.

Parting Thoughts 

Diarrhea can be quite serious if not treated well. So, you must consider these foods for toddlers during loose motion. However, if the situation doesn’t improve or worsens, consult a pediatrician immediately for proper guidance and treatment. Your child’s health is the top priority.

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