Diarrhea can be hard enough to deal with when you are an adult, but the body system of a baby will have a more difficult time handling the condition. Diarrhea creates an excess of water in the stool, resulting in loose bowel movements. In anyone experiencing the condition, this can lead to a sore rectum and dehydration.

Children, especially babies, are still developing. Diarrhea is harder on their system at such a young age. A bout of diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration in just a couple of days.

Causes of Diarrhea

There are many reasons that can lead to loose stools. It can be a bacteria or virus, such as the rotavirus, that is attacking. Once baby is introduced to solid foods, sensitivity to something that you are feeding them can lead to a bout of diarrhea.

Whatever the cause, diarrhea is one reason to contact your pediatrician right away. They can help you to assess the reason why the diarrhea is occurring. In the meantime, the important thing is to keep their system hydrated to avoid other health issues.

Here are some ways to help your baby recover and return to health.

Foods to Eat

Your baby may not feel like eating when they don’t feel well. Constant diarrhea can lead to diaper rash which will make them cry each time they release the stool. Even with medical treatment, nourishment is still important. The pediatrician may suggest a few foods that baby can eat to help get their digestive system back on track. Since their digestive systems are still developing and work slowly, it takes time to reverse the condition.

B.R.A.T.

This is the acronym that is used to treat infant diarrhea. Let’s begin with the letter “B.” It stands for bananas, which contain fiber that will help add firmness to the stool and remove some of the water. You can mash them up into mush for easier consumption.

The “R” stands for rice. Babies are usually fed rice cereal as a first introduction into foods. Grains are good sources of fiber that can help harden a bowel movement.

“A” stand for applesauce. It is made from the entire apple so there is pectin and fiber in the skin to assist with reversing runny stools.

The last letter stands for toast made from high-fiber breads. Again, grains and high carbohydrates all come together to bulk up the bowel movement.

With each food, feed a little at a time. Keep in contact with your pediatrician as to how the stools are firming up and be sure baby is staying hydrated.