Diarrhea in babies and toddlers: what to give and when to call

Diarrhea in babies and toddlers: keep feeding, rehydration fluids, what to avoid, when to call

Reviewed October 19, 2026against 2 sources, listed below

When to call

Right away for any sign of dehydration.
Blood in the stool; green, bloody or coffee-ground vomit; vomiting for more than 12 to 24 hours.
Fever lasting more than 24 to 48 hours; a swollen belly or severe belly pain; refusing to eat or drink; a rash or yellow skin or eyes; watery stools every 1 to 2 hours.

Mild diarrhea without vomiting: keep giving breast milk or formula as usual; diet changes usually aren't needed.
With vomiting: keep breastfeeding; otherwise small, frequent sips of a store-bought oral electrolyte solution until the vomiting stops (usually 1 to 2 days), then the usual diet. Never a homemade solution.
Avoid juice, soft drinks, sports drinks, soups and boiled milk (the wrong sugar or salt), and plain water or tea as the main fluid when a child is getting dehydrated.
No over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine under age 2, and no home remedies.
Watch the wet diapers: fewer than six a day is a sign of dehydration in a baby.

Log each diaper and feed while it lasts: how many wet diapers and how much she's drinking are what the pediatrician will ask about.

Education from the sources listed, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, call your pediatrician; in an emergency, call 911.