What to feed a child sick with diarrhoea?
Based on a poll of 343 Abbott parents | Start Date: 08th April 2009 | End Date: 22nd June 2009
When kids are ill, parents are worried! Fever, cough, cold, bowel disturbances are common childhood illnesses. But of these illnesses, diarrhoea is probably the messiest to manage. Parents resort to a variety of measures during diarrhoea – some based on hearsay and home remedies, others on the advice of the healthcare professionals. As diarrhoea can be dangerous for babies and young children, get your child to the doctor for a review. And, here is a ready reckoner of some home remedies that work and others that do not.
Offer Fluids
Oral Rehydration Solution
- All the liquid outflow may be worrisome. And if the debate is to give or not to give water - here is what you must do: offer your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS) - as often as you can and whenever he can tolerate. The balance of clean water, electrolytes and a dash of easily absorbed sugar in an ORS is scientifically formulated to support effective water absorption during diarrhoea. Allow your baby to sip. If he vomits, wait for about half an hour and allow him some more. This ‘water parade’ will go a long way to prevent dehydration. As you never know when diarrhoea will occur, keep a stock of ORS in your First Aid Kit.
Soy Solution
- Many parents are told to ‘rest the gut’ – avoid milk, provide just clear liquids etc. But, diarrhoea is draining – not only is your child losing water, he is losing nutrients too, leading to tiredness. The faster you provide your child with nourishment, the sooner will he regain his vigour and verve. During diarrhoea, the gut is unable to breakdown milk sugar ‘lactose’ – so, replacing a cow’s milk formula during this period with a soy formula will help nourish your child. Add a can of soy formula to the First Aid Kit essentials.
Rice Water
- Rice water has been used traditionally in some cultures, and, scientific studies suggest that it may help to firm up the stool. However, rice water lacks the many nutrients vitally needed to support your child’s recovery.
Provide Food
Food Avoidance
- Apart from milk, avoid greasy, oily and spicy foods. Your little one will not be able to tolerate these during an acute infection of the gut. But, if you do not offer some nourishment through this episode, at least by replacing with soy formula, recovery will take a little longer.
Rice Gruel
- Light and bland foods can be introduced along with the ORS and Soy Formula as your baby recovers. Rice porridge and clear soups are best tolerated in the first few days, but, they are poor sources of nutrients that your child needs to recover and grow. As your child recovers, transition as quickly as you can to his normal diet.
To find out about more about Isomil® 2 Advance® Soy Follow-on, click here.
To find out about more about Pedialyte®, an Oral Electrolyte Maintenance Solution, click here.
If you're trying Isomil® for the first time, click here for a free sample.
For expert advice on paediatric nutrition, please contact Abbott Nutrition Careline at 6278-6220.
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