Home Remedies for Diarrhea in 1 Year Old

Diarrhea can be caused by food poisoning, an allergic reaction, the flu or stomach sensitivities. When a 1-year-old baby gets diarrhea, it can be a major cause of concern. You might need to take the baby to the doctor, for example, if there is blood in the stool. However, diarrhea may simply be a reaction to a food that the baby ate, and something that just needs to pass. If prescription or OTC medications are not required for a 1-year-old with diarrhea, there are some helpful remedies you can use to help the baby feel better and reduce diarrhea, even while at home.

Change the Diet

When a baby gets diarrhea, change the baby's diet. Dr. Bill Sears suggests withholding from the diet of a 1-year-old with diarrhea dairy products like milk, as well as juices while the diarrhea persists, as these can make it worse 1. A woman can continue breastfeeding her 1-year-old if he has diarrhea, because breast milk is healthy and full of fluids to rehydrate the baby as well as necessary nutrients. Dr. Sears recommends that 1-year-olds with diarrhea consume foods on the BRAT diet--bananas, rice or rice cereal, apple sauce and toast 1.

Increase Fluids

The baby must drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost in diarrhea. If a child doesn't drink enough fluids when he has diarrhea, he could become dehydrated, which can make him tired and dizzy. Fluids can help to soothe the stomach and make diarrhea less severe. Water is the best option to replace fluids, while special rehydration drinks for children are also available. Dr. Barton D. Schmitt states that oral rehydration drinks can be helpful for children with diarrhea, but they also contain a lot of sugar 12. He recommends watering these types of drinks down to about half water and half oral rehydration solution, before giving them to the child. Soups can also be given to the 1-year-old to increase fluid intake.

Give Probiotics

According to Dr. Sears, probiotics is a natural remedy for diarrhea in a 1-year-old that can be given at home 1. Probiotics are live bacteria naturally found in the human gut. They help to improve digestion and allow for regular bowel movements. Dr. Sears states that probiotic supplements, available at grocery stores, pharmacies and drug stores, can help to shorten the duration of diarrhea and reduce the severity of diarrhea for a 1-year-old 1. These are most effective when taken daily, but giving a child probiotics during diarrhea episodes can help.