It can be both frustrating and frightening when your baby develops diarrhea. Babies can develop diarrhea quickly and without any cause that parents can find. It is very important that a baby with diarrhea be treated immediately to prevent dehydration and further health issues.
Dehydration
One home remedy that has been recommended for generations to treat diarrhea in very young children is jello water. Jello water works because the gelatin helps to bind the stool and stop the diarrhea. It also helps rehydrate the child. To make jello water, dissolve your child's favorite flavor of gelatin according to the package instructions and then dilute it with 2 cups (or more) of water. Pour this mixture into your child's bottle or sippy cup and allow them to drink this throughout the day. Keep in mind, however, that the artificial coloring in the gelatin may color your child's stools, so you may want to choose a flavor that is not red.
You can also make your own rehydration solution similar to Pedialyte. Mix together 1/3 cup lemon-lime or other clear soda, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. The salt and the baking powder will help to replace sodium and other electrolytes lost due to diarrhea.
Both of these liquids can be frozen and served as homemade popsicles as well. Pour the liquid into paper cups and place in the freezer. After about half an hour when the liquid starts to form ice and the sticks will stand upright, place popsicle sticks or plastic spoons in each cup to serve as handles. Freeze solid and serve.
BRAT
You need to continue to feed your child regularly throughout the time he or she has diarrhea. The BRAT diet is recommended by health care professionals for children with diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods are easy to digest and help to re-establish normal digestion.
Bananas can be served whole, sliced or mashed depending on your child's age. Rice should be white rice, boiled until soft and served without salt or butter. Unsweetened applesauce is best: sugar may aggravate your child's diarrhea. For toast, use white bread--high fiber whole grains may further upset the digestive system--and serve without butter or jelly.
Tags: your child, baking powder, diarrhea BRAT