# 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

Illness & fever · Reviewed 2026-10-19 against the sources below · https://livia.baby/learn/diarrhea

- 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.

## 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.

## In Livia

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.

## Sources

- [AAP / HealthyChildren.org](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Diarrhea.aspx)
- [AAP / HealthyChildren.org](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Dehydration.aspx)

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