What to Feed Your Baby When They Have Diarrhea: Best Foods and Hydration Tips

As a parent, it's always alarming when your baby experiences diarrhea. The frequent trips to the diaper station, the watery stools, and the potential for dehydration can be worrying. But don’t panic. Diarrhea, although uncomfortable for your little one, is often part of a short-term illness or digestive upset. What you feed your baby during this time can make a significant difference in their recovery and comfort.

In this blog post, we'll explore the best foods to offer your baby during diarrhea, and what to avoid, as well as tips on keeping them hydrated and promoting healing.

Why Diet Matters During Diarrhea

When your baby has diarrhea, the body loses not just water but also essential nutrients like sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes. The goal is to rehydrate and restore the balance of nutrients while giving their digestive system a chance to recover. This is why choosing the right foods, and avoiding the wrong ones, becomes crucial.

A baby’s digestive system is still developing, so it's important to be mindful of their food intake when they're sick. A gentle diet helps prevent further irritation, soothes their tummy, and provides the nourishment their body needs to recover.

The BRAT Diet: Your Baby’s Best Friend

One of the most commonly recommended diets for babies experiencing diarrhea is the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet stands for:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

These four foods are mild, low in fiber, and easy to digest, making them ideal for your baby's tummy during illness. Let’s break them down further:

• Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help replenish lost electrolytes. They’re also soft and gentle on the stomach, making them a go-to food when your baby is experiencing diarrhea.

• Rice: White rice is bland and low in fiber, which helps firm up your baby’s stools. It’s an excellent source of carbohydrates, which are needed for energy and recovery.

• Applesauce: Applesauce is easy to digest and has a soothing effect on the tummy. It’s also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that can help bulk up stools.

• Toast: Plain, white toast (without butter or jam) is bland and low in fat, making it easy to digest and gentle on your baby's digestive system.

Additional Foods to Offer During Diarrhea

While the BRAT diet is a great starting point, there are other soft, easy-to-digest foods you can offer to help your baby recover:

• Mashed Potatoes: Plain mashed potatoes are gentle and contain starchy carbohydrates that can help firm up stools and soothe the digestive tract.

• Plain Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to your baby's gut microbiome. Make sure the yogurt is unsweetened and doesn't contain artificial additives.

• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a great, fiber-rich food that is easy on the stomach. Its soft texture and soluble fiber can help firm up your baby’s stools and provide energy.

• Steamed Carrots: Soft, well-cooked carrots are a mild food that can help provide nutrients without irritating the stomach. They’re easy to digest and full of vitamins.

• Boiled Chicken: Lean, well-cooked chicken can be an excellent source of protein during diarrhea. It’s easy to digest when prepared without spices, and can help provide energy and aid in recovery.

What to Avoid During Diarrhea

Certain foods and drinks can make diarrhea worse by irritating your baby’s digestive system or causing further dehydration. Here are the foods to avoid:

• High-Fiber Foods: While fiber is typically healthy, during diarrhea, it can make stools even more watery. Avoid high-fiber foods such as beans, whole grains, and raw fruits or vegetables.

• Sugary Foods & Drinks: Sugary foods like fruit juices, sweets, or sugary snacks can exacerbate diarrhea. Sugar can draw more water into the intestines, worsening the condition. Stick to bland, low-sugar options.

• Dairy Products (except plain yogurt): Dairy can sometimes aggravate diarrhea, especially in babies who are already sensitive to lactose. Avoid full-fat milk, cheese, or ice cream during this time unless recommended by your pediatrician.

• Fried or Fatty Foods: Foods that are high in fat or fried can irritate your baby’s digestive system. They may take longer to digest, putting additional stress on the tummy during diarrhea.

• Spicy or Seasoned Foods: Spices and strong flavors can be too harsh for your baby's sensitive stomach. Keep foods bland and avoid adding salt, pepper, or spicy condiments.

Hydration Is Key

In addition to providing gentle foods, staying hydrated is crucial for your baby’s recovery. Diarrhea leads to the loss of fluids, which can result in dehydration if not addressed. Here are some effective hydration strategies:

• Breast Milk or Formula: If you're breastfeeding, continue to nurse your baby as usual. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and hydration. If your baby is formula-fed, continue offering formula to keep them hydrated and nourished.

• Oral Rehydration Solutions: An oral rehydration solution (ORS) is designed to replace lost electrolytes and fluids. You can find these solutions at your local pharmacy, or your pediatrician may recommend one. Be sure to offer small sips throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your baby’s tummy.

• Small Sips of Water: For babies who are older than six months, you can offer small amounts of water in between feedings. Water helps replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.

• Avoid Sugary Drinks: Refrain from offering sugary drinks like fruit juices or soda. These can worsen diarrhea and lead to further dehydration.

Top FAQs on Feeding Babies with Diarrhea

1. How long should I follow the BRAT diet for my baby? It’s generally safe to follow the BRAT diet for a day or two when your baby has diarrhea. Once your baby starts to improve and their stool consistency normalizes, you can slowly reintroduce other solid foods.

2. Can I still breastfeed my baby during diarrhea? Yes! Breastfeeding provides essential hydration, nutrients, and immune support, so continue breastfeeding during your baby’s illness.

3. What if my baby refuses to eat during diarrhea? It’s not uncommon for babies to lose their appetite during illness. Continue to offer small amounts of food and fluids regularly. Even if they don't eat much, staying hydrated is the priority.

4. How can I tell if my baby is dehydrated? Signs of dehydration in babies include a dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, lethargy, or sunken eyes. If you notice these symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately.

5. When should I call the pediatrician about my baby’s diarrhea? If your baby’s diarrhea lasts longer than 24-48 hours, is accompanied by a fever, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration, contact your pediatrician for advice.

---

Conclusion

When your baby is dealing with diarrhea, offering them the right foods and keeping them well-hydrated is essential for recovery. Stick to gentle, easy-to-digest options like the BRAT diet, mashed potatoes, and plain yogurt while avoiding foods that could aggravate the condition. Most importantly, make sure your baby stays hydrated with breast milk, formula, or oral rehydration solutions. By following these steps, you can support your baby’s recovery and help them feel better faster.