What do I do if my baby or young child has diarrhea?

What do I do if my baby or young child has diarrhea?

If your child has severe diarrhea, call your healthcare provider. Young children are at a higher risk of dehydration than adults. You also can’t treat a child’s diarrhea the same way you would an adult case. Over-the-counter medications can be dangerous in young children and all treatments of diarrhea in children should be guided by their healthcare provider. It’s important to keep your child hydrated. Your provider will help you determine the best way to do this, but options often include:

• Breast milk.
• Formula.
• Electrolyte drinks (Pedialyte®) for older children – this is not recommended for babies.

The best option to keep your child hydrated might change as the child ages. Always check with your provider before giving your child a new liquid or treatment of any kind.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s diarrhea, don’t hesitate to call your provider.