Diarrhea

Symptoms

• Bowel movements that are more frequent and more watery than usual

• Is under 6 months old
• Has diarrhea lasting more than 5 days

• Has a high fever
• Has bloody or mucousy stools
• Has frequent bowel movements (more than 7 to 10 times a day)
• Is urinating less often
• Has a stomachache
• Has signs of dehydration (dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken fontanelle in babies, very dark urine, sunken eyes)

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. It is characterized by more frequent bowel movements, which may be watery. It can be caused by:

• Viruses (e.g., rotavirus)
• Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella)
• Parasites (e.g., Giardia)
• An imbalance of the intestinal flora, caused by taking antibiotics

• A reaction to certain foods (e.g., gluten, lactose, artificial sweeteners)
• Digestive system disorders, which can range from mild to severe (though this is rarer)

Possible complications of diarrhea

The main complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This can happen quickly in babies aged 0 to 12 months, especially when the diarrhea is caused by an infection (in other words, a virus or bacteria). If a child is dehydrated, they require immediate treatment.

Treatment

In most cases, viral diarrhea does not require antiviral treatment and clears up on its own in a few days. However, it’s important to watch for signs of dehydration.

Antibiotics may be needed in some cases of bacterial infection. If a parasite is the cause, antiparasitic treatment is required.

Do not give your child over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication. These can make their condition worse and cause serious problems.

Can a child with diarrhea drink milk?

It’s now known that drinking milk does not make diarrhea worse. It is no longer recommended to stop giving milk unless the diarrhea is severe or lasts more than 7 days.

During the first 24 hours of diarrhea, it’s a good idea to alternate between milk and an oral rehydration solution. Babies who are breastfed should continue nursing with shorter, more frequent feedings.

What to feed your child when they have diarrhea

Your child’s diet should stay as normal as possible. A liquid diet is not needed unless they’re vomiting. It’s important to make sure they’re drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

If they’re having trouble eating, offer smaller, lighter meals more often (about 5 or 6 a day). Focus on foods that are easy to digest, such as broth, toast, eggs, chicken, rice, mashed carrots, unsweetened applesauce, and bananas. Avoid foods that are very fatty, sugary, or spicy.

How to prevent dehydration

Up to 6 months of age

• If you’re breastfeeding, offer the breast more often but for shorter periods. If your baby is too tired or nauseous to feed well at the breast, you can also give expressed breast milk with a spoon, syringe, or cup. If your baby is vomiting, try alternating breastfeeding with a bottle of oral rehydration solution.
• If your baby is bottle-fed, continue giving their usual formula in normal amounts. If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, offer fluids more often but in small amounts. Alternate between their usual formula and a bottle of oral rehydration solution. Do not dilute the formula.

Over 6 months of age

• If your child vomits a lot, you can offer an oral rehydration solution.
• You can give breast milk, infant formula, or milk alternated with the rehydration solution during the first 24 hours of diarrhea.
• Avoid giving your child soda or apple, pear, grape, or prune juice, as they may have a laxative effect.

To prevent dehydration, offer your child very small amounts of fluids at frequent intervals. Amounts vary by age:

• Under 6 months: 30 to 90 ml (1 to 3 oz.) per hour; about 5 ml (1 tsp) every 5 minutes. Gradually increase the amount while lengthening the intervals, depending on your baby’s tolerance.
• 6 months to 2 years: 90 to 125 ml (3 to 4 oz.) per hour; about 10 ml (2 tsp) every 5 minutes. Gradually increase the amount while lengthening the intervals, depending on your child’s tolerance.
• Over 2 years: 125 to 250 ml (4 to 8 oz.) per hour; about 15 ml (1 tbsp) every 5 minutes. Gradually increase the amount while lengthening the intervals, depending on your child’s tolerance.

Prevention

• Follow the vaccination schedule to ensure your baby receives both oral doses of the rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix) at 2 and 4 months of age.
• Make sure your child washes their hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the toilet and before eating (do it for them if they’re too young).
• Clean toilet surfaces thoroughly to eliminate germs that can cause illness.
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing them.
• Clean countertops and kitchen utensils thoroughly when they have been in contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish. Refrigerate meat as soon as possible after purchasing; cook it thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers quickly.
• Avoid drinking water unless you’re sure it’s safe. When travelling abroad, avoid tap water, especially in developing countries. Use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
• Avoid washing pet bowls or litter boxes in the kitchen sink, and keep them away from areas where you store, prepare, or eat food.

Scientific review: Dr. Anne-Claude Bernard-Bonnin, pediatrician Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: June 2025

Photo: GettyImages/ELENA BESSONOVA