How to feed your baby or kid when they have diarrhea

Diarrhea is not fun, at all. And when is your baby (or toddler or kid) the one affected, it is even worse ;-(

Alex has recently being bothered by diarrhea for few days and, as it was something not severe, I changed his diet for few days in order to help him recovering. I would like to share with you the list of YES and NO foods to feed your baby/kid when diarrhea occurs. And if you are interested in one easy recipe to prepare, check this link: “Creamy rice with Parmesan cheese”.

When a baby/toddler/kid has diarrhea you can help him stop or alleviate the symptoms through a proper diet. Of course, do not hesitate to call the pediatrician for advice if needed.

When your little one digestive system is stressed by diarrhea you want to give him/her foods that are:

1. easy to digest
2. able to rehydrate
3. replacements of the elements lost with diarrhea

Here you are some suggested foods:

RICE

Rice is astringent by acting as a binding food and making your baby’s stools a bit more solid. In this case white rice is better than brown rice. Brown rice contains a lot of fiber difficult to digest with diarrhea. Rice also is a great source of energy as it is high in carbohydrates. In addition to that rice abounds in starch which reaches the bowels in an undigested form and stimulates the growth of useful bacteria that help with normal bowel movements.

PARMESAN CHEESE

Rich in protein and calcium. Being an aged cheese, Parmesan contains a non significant amount of lactose (it is almost lactose free). During the cheese making process, most of the lactose is drained off with the whey; the small amount that remains in the curd is changed to lactic acid during ripening (aging) of cheese. In addition to that Parmesan is nicely salty and salty foods help replace electrolytes that your baby lost in his stools.

VEGETABLE BROTH

Or any other homemade broth will rehydrate your little one. I suggest a vegetable broth made with carrots and potatoes only. They are both astringent and will help cause the bulking and hardening of the stool.

BANANA

Banana are loaded with potassium, an essential element lost with diarrhea.

In addition to the above list, pasta, yogurt, applesauce and bread are OK foods when diarrhea occurs.

All together with a OK food list, there is also a NOT RECOMMENDED list of foods not to feed your baby/kid with when he has diarrhea.

1. foods high in fat or sugar (no fruit juices, sweets). They will be very difficult to digest with an upset stomach. 
2. dairy products. Diarrhea might cause a temporary lactose intolerance. Just remember that yogurt and aged cheese like Parmesan are fine thanks to the low level of lactose.
3. any fruits and vegetables that can cause gas. Cauliflower, broccoli, beans, peas, peppers, berries, prunes, kiwi, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables.
4. whole grains (brown rice too) as they are difficult to digest being too rich in fiber. In this case white bread is better than multigrain one.

Another suggestion is to feed your baby/kid more often during the day but with small meals. This is a way not to aggravate your baby’s digestive system.

Last, but maybe the most important thing: Hydration. Let your baby/kid drink small sips very frequently. Dehydration is one of the main concern when diarrhea occurs.

I really hope these simple suggestion on which food to feed your baby/kid with diarrhea will be helpful to alleviate your little one symptoms. And remember that tons of cuddles and love are always the best medicine 😉