Diarrhea

For an Infant with Diarrhea

• If breast feeding, continue but it may help to give small amounts more frequently. If you are concern that you are not producing enough breastmilk to keep up with fluid losses, please come in for evaluation of the baby’s hydration status .
• If formula feeding, continue with the formula. The baby may need smaller frequent feeds. If you are concern about dehydration, please come in for the evaluation of the baby’s hydration status.

For Older Children with Diarrhea

• If formula feeding, continue with the formula. The baby may need smaller frequent feeds. If you are concern about dehydration, please come in for the evaluation of the baby’s hydration status. Continue with small portions of a well-rounded diet with advance as tolerated to normal diet. The intestine heals when the child is fed.
• In some cases, we may recommend limiting milk or milk products for a short period of time. During this time, you may substitute with Lactaid milk until the diarrhea has resolved.

Call us immediately if:

• There is a large amount of blood mixed with the stool.
• Along with the diarrhea, there has been vomiting to the point that mucous membranes in his mouth are now dry and sticky and no longer moist and wet.
• The child appears especially ill, fever, cramps, vomiting.
• Your child has not urinated at least 3 times in a 24-hour period

Call us promptly during regular office hours if:

• The diarrhea has lasted longer than 3 days with more than 8 stools per day.
• The fever is higher than 101° for more than 24 hours.
• There are streaks of blood in the stool.
• The diarrhea is accompanied by persistent vomiting
• Your child has not urinated at least 3 times in a 24-hour period