Treating Chronic Toddler Diarrhea

Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea in toddlers is defined as consistently loose or watery stools over a period of around 2 weeks. While this isn't necessarily an uncommon for a toddler, it shouldn't be taken lightly, because it could be a sign of a more serious condition. For parents dealing with a toddler suffering from diarrhea, there are a few things to keep in mind while they treat their child.

Consultation

Consult with a physician if your toddler experiences three or more loose stools within a single day for more than 3 days. This could be an indication that your child is suffering from an illness, an infection, a parasite, an intestinal injury, an intolerance to lactose or an allergy to food. Once a proper diagnosis has been given, most doctors will recommend a certain course of treatment.

Dehydration

One of the most predominant issues involving chronic diarrhea in a toddler is that the child can easily and quickly become dehydrated, according to the International Foundation of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. However, forcing your child to drink to ensure he does not become dehydrated isn't necessarily the best option. At least make sure that your child has some sort of liquid each time he has produced diarrhea; with every watery bowel movement, give him is about 1 cup of water.

Diet

While you need to maintain a well-balanced diet appropriate to the age of your toddler, there are a few things you should consider to treat the diarrhea with food. According to the University Of Chicago School of Medicine, increasing both the fat (good fat) and dietary fiber of your toddler's diet can aid in treating the condition. Avoid high-fructose juices and foods, as well as giving your child any sort of medication to "treat" diarrhea.

Meals

Another beneficial method of treatment for chronic diarrhea in a toddler is to actually spread the meals out. This means using the "snacking" approach to eating; feed your child six to eight smaller meals throughout the span of a day. You can still give them wholesome foods (and snacks), like mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, beans, pasta, bananas, crackers, healthy cereals and pretzels, just not in three regular meals.

Liquids

Sometimes, chronic diarrhea can hit a toddler who is still breastfeeding. In this scenario, it is completely acceptable to continue to breastfeed. There is some benefit to increasing the frequency of breastfeeding when this condition presents itself. If your toddler is not breastfeeding, hold off on dairy altogether for a day or two. Continue to give your child liquids, just remove milk from the options. It can produce problems with digestion.