WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS DIARRHEA

Diarrhea can be dangerous to your child because it can promote a large amount of fluid loss in a short amount of time. A child's body is made up of about 80 percent fluid. This fluid is necessary for the body to work properly.

How can I replace the fluid that is lost because of diarrhea?

You can replace fluid loss with drinks that contain the right amount of fluid and minerals to help your child feel better. They are called oral hydration solutions, such as Pedialyte and Ricelyte. The best way to get enough liquid into your child is to give very small amounts every few minutes. If you give your child one teaspoon of liquid every minute, in less than an hour your child will have taken one cup. Even a child who is vomiting can usually keep down the rehydration solution if a teaspoon is given every minute. When a child has diarrhea, they need at least twice as much fluid as they usually drink when they are well.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Call your doctor right away if your child is not able to keep down fluids, has a high fever, has blood in the bowel movement or shows any of the following signs of dehydration: no drooling, signs of thirst, fewer wet diapers, sleepiness or fussiness, sunken eyes, no tears when crying.

Are all foods OK for my child to eat?

Not all foods are OK to continue feeding to your child when they have diarrhea. Some foods can make the diarrhea worse because they have too much natural or added sugar. You should not offer your child these foods: canned fruits; grape, apple or orange juice; soft drinks like cola or ginger ale; ice cream, sherbet, or popsicles; jello or puddings; sweetened cereals or fried foods or fatty foods.

Should I keep feeding my child regular meals?

It is important to keep offering your child regular meals even when he or she has diarrhea. If your child gets plenty of oral rehydration solution and keeps eating the right foods, the diarrhea won't be harmful. If you are breast-feeding your child or using a bottle and formula, you should go on with the same feedings. If your child is eating table food, the following foods are especially good for children who have diarrhea: unbuttered rice, potatoes, or noodles; crackers and toast; unsweetened hot or cold cereals; soups with rice or noodles, meat and vegetables; unbuttered cooked vegetables; fresh fruits, especially bananas.

How can I make my child feel better?

The diaper rash and sore bottom that occur with diarrhea can make your child fussy. Here are some things you should remember when your child has diarrhea:

• Don't use baby wipes
• Change diapers more often
• Every time you change a diaper, wash your child's bottom with soap and then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Put Vaseline, A&D ointment or Desitin on your child's bottom to protect the tender skin.