Breast-fed infants (under 1 year).
- Most infants being breast-fed, may continue to nurse. They often have milder cases of diarrhea. Try to nurse more frequently.
- Diarrhea is present if there is an abrupt increase in stools and stools are more watery than normal.
- The baby may be offered extra fluids in the form of Pedialyte or Gastrolyte in between nursing. If diarrhea is severe, discuss with your doctor before discontinuing breast-feeding
Bottle-fed infants (under 1 year).
- If diarrhea is mild, formula or milk should be diluted with extra water or Pedialyte to make the formula 1/4 or 1/2 strength for a few feedings and then may be gradually increased in strength as the baby tolerates over 2 or 3 days. They may also be supplemented with extra fluids such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte .
- If diarrhea is moderate, start with Pedialyte or Gastrolyte for 2 to 3 feedings, then go to 1/4 to 1/2 strength formula.
- Do not use Pedialyte alone for more than 24 hours without discussing with your doctor.
- Soy formulas or lactose-free formulas are often used instead of milk-based formulas temporarily to treat the diarrhea.
- Avoid fruit juices . They often aggravate the diarrhea because of the high sugar content and they don't contain the right balance of salts to correct losses of salt in diarrhea.
- Also do not give water alone for rehydration, because it lacks salt and sugar that the child needs.
Children over 1 year.
- Pedialyte may be used for fluids, but some children do not like the taste. Gatorade or other "sports" drinks are alternatives.
- Again, avoid fruit juices.
- Also avoid all dairy products when the child is having diarrhea. If the child is drinking well and tolerating some solids, dairy is not necessary.
