Toddler Diarrhea

Toddler's diarrhea is considered a common cause of diarrhea in children between the ages of 1 and 5. It is most commonly seen in boys. This diarrhea is not a very serious condition and goes away as the child grows older.

Too much fruit juice or splash should be avoided and meals should include the proper amount of fibre but not high fibre. It is also known as chronic non-specific diarrhoea.

What is Toddlerâ€™s Diarrhea?

Toddlerâ€™s diarrhea or chronic nonspecific diarrhea is a condition where toddlers experience frequent loose stools, typically three or more times a day and for several weeks, but without signs of illness, weight loss or dehydration. It is harmless and temporary with children continuing to grow and develop normally.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Symptoms of a Toddler's Diarrhoea

Loose and watery stools (three or more times a day)
Occasional frequent stools (ten or more times a day)
Stools may contain visible bits of undigested food like vegetables (e.g., carrots, sweetcorn)
Stools are often smelly and pale in color
Mild abdominal pain
Alternating constipation and diarrhea in some children

Most children with this condition are otherwise normal and active, with symptoms typically resolving by age 5-6 without treatment.

Causes of Diarrhea in Toddlers

Several factors can contribute to diarrhea in toddlers, including:

Immature digestive system: Young childrenâ€™s intestines are still developing, which can affect how food is digested.
Dietary habits: Drinking too much juice, especially apple or pear juice, can cause watery stools.
Low-fat diet or excessive carbs: Diets high in sugar or carbohydrates and low in fat may contribute to a toddlerâ€™s diarrhea.
Infections: Viral (like rotavirus), bacterial (like E. coli) or parasitic infections can also cause acute diarrhea.
Food intolerances: Sensitivity to lactose or other foods may trigger digestive upset.
Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea.

Treatment Options for Toddlers' Diarrhoea

Treatment and dietary recommendations for toddlers' diarrhea include:

No Specific Treatment: Mild cases often resolve without treatment.
Dietary Changes: Adjust the child's eating and drinking habits.
Avoid Low-Fat Diets: Ensure the child receives 35-40% healthy fats like whole milk, yoghurt and cheese.
Balanced Diet: Emphasise fruits and vegetables while avoiding extremes in fibre intake.
Foods to Reduce: Limit high-fibre cereals, peas, sweet corn, pulses, lentils, baked beans, raisins and grapes.
Limit Fruit Juice: Too much juice can contribute to watery stools due to undigested sugars. Offer water for thirst and reserve juice as an occasional treat.
Avoid Sugary Juices: Clear apple juice contains high sugars; cloudy juices are better due to their fibre content.
Monitor Caloric Intake: Ensure adequate calorie intake to maintain appetite for fats and fibre-rich foods.

What to Feed a Toddler With Diarrhoea?

Diet plays a key role in managing diarrhoea. Offer:

Fluids: Water, breast milk, oral rehydration solutions
Binding foods (BRAT diet): Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
Plain yoghurt: Contains probiotics that support gut health
Boiled potatoes and carrots: Easy to digest and help firm up stools
Avoid: Sugary drinks, fruit juices, fatty or spicy foods and sweets

Keep meals small and frequent to avoid stressing the digestive system.

Home Remedies for Toddler Diarrhea?

Here are some simple home remedies that can help your child treat diarrhea including:

Probiotics: Give probiotic-rich foods or supplements to balance gut bacteria
Hydration: Encourage sips of water or electrolyte solutions frequently
Avoid fruit juices: Especially apple, pear and prune juices, which can worsen diarrhea
Cooked starchy foods: Like rice, oatmeal or boiled potatoes
Rest: Ensure your child is well-rested for better recovery

How to Stop Toddler Diarrhea?

While most cases resolve on their own, hereâ€™s how you can help stop diarrhea:

Adjust their diet to include more fiber and fewer sugary carbs
Reduce fruit juice intake to no more than 120 ml/day (4 oz)
Keep them hydrated to replace lost fluids
Offer nutrient-rich, balanced meals with adequate fats
Use probiotic supplements if advised by your paediatrician

When to Call the Doctor

You should call a paediatrician if:

Diarrhea lasts more than 2 weeks
You experience blood or mucus in the stool
Your child has a fever, vomiting or signs of dehydration like dry mouth, no tears and less urination
They are losing weight or appear unusually tired.
Diarrhea starts soon after antibiotic use

Timely medical care ensures proper diagnosis and avoids complications.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Conclusion

Toddlerâ€™s diarrhea is usually not a cause for concern and can be managed with simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments. While it can be frustrating for parents, most children outgrow it without lasting effects. Visit a near by pediatrian for severe diarrhea, if your kid has a watery bowel movement every 1 to 2 hours or more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, itâ€™s fairly common, especially if your toddler is otherwise healthy, growing well and has no other symptoms. Itâ€™s often called a toddlerâ€™s diarrhea.

Yes, especially if theyâ€™re lactose intolerant or drinking too much cowâ€™s milk, which can affect digestion.

Toddlerâ€™s diarrhea can last weeks or even months but usually improves with age. If it's from a virus, it typically clears up in a few days.

See a doctor if thereâ€™s dehydration like dry mouth, no tears, less urine, high fever, blood in stool, or if diarrhea lasts more than a week.

Yes! Bananas are gentle on the stomach and help firm up stools, making them a great addition to the BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast).