Sick One Year Old - Bountiful,UT

I recently took my son in for a viral thing and was told by two different nurses that diarrhea from viruses can last a week, but that it lasts more than that, to bring them in. While bananas are supposed to tighten things up, and it is great to give him, and continue giving him, I would still take him back in. Isn't it better to be safe?

I had four children, and it seems that age is particularly susceptible to diarrhea. Just keep with the brat diet--it usually dries things up, but sometimes it takes about two weeks. I don't usually feed them exclusively bananas and toast and rice for that whole time, but I try to make sure they are getting those regularly and drinking enough fluids. If there are no other symptoms of illness, then I wouldn't worry too much.

Hi M. - It's probably time to give your pediatrician a call. Normally a child with diarrhea lasting longer than 72 hours should be evaluated, especially for dehydration. They may also request that you do a stool sample.

You might also note for the doc and tell him the consistency, if you notice any blood in the stool, if there is a really foul odor or if there are any color changes ie: green, black, white, etc.

Continue with the brat diet - focus less on the sugars like with bananas and applesauce and more on the starches - toast, pasta, rice, etc. Dont forget to really push those fluids especially the Pedialyte. My kids liked the frozen Pedialyte pops. Again, watch the amount of sugary drinks like Gatorade and juices. Also dont use any of the vitamin-waters as those aren't recommended for children. Also give your child at least one serving of low-sugar live culture yogurt every day to help replenish the bowel flora.

I hope your little one feels better!

Hi M.,

Sorry to hear your little guy is sick. That always made me feel hopeless.

Is he behaving like his normal self? Still energetic, playful, sleeps and eats well? If so, you're probably ok...but I would really keep the diet as bland as you can. A small teaspoon of yogurt a few times a day will help too. Not the flavored kind, just good ole fashioned plain. It's a little tart, but a little honey with it will be fine. This will help to restore the good bacteria in his gut.

If it makes you feel better, you can always call the pediatricians office to get suggestions...use your mommy instincts. They won't lead you wrong :)

Hi M., so sorry your baby is sick. When my girl (also 21mo) gets dio I avoid any wheat (use white bread), dairy and fruits/vegetables that start with "P".. I dilute G@ gatorade or Powerade Zero to keep her hydrated, sugar free popsicles also. Stay away from medications. More than likely the shots he had won't make the dio worse. Keep on the bland diet and slowly introduce more starchy foods such as pastas and potatoes. Good luck! My little one had it for over 5 months...

I agree that you should call the doctor. But look at a few things, so you can give them the best info possible. Is it watery or just loose? How many times a day? How is his behavior otherwise (more cranky, lethargic, or anything else, or is it pretty normal)? How is his appetitie? Does he have any signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears when he cries, darker or decreased urine - hard to tell with all the poopy diapers - skin that will stay peaked if you gently pinch it)? If you can think about it and jot it down before you call, it may help the doc make a better determination and you won't be trying to remember it all on the spur of the moment.

I would add probiotics made for children to your child's diet. You can purchase them at at whole foods store. This will help regulate the good bacteria in his digestive track (gut). You might find this article about probiotics and children's health informative: http://www.babybites.info/2009/02/24/probiotics-healthy-k...
Blessings, J.

Diarrhea can be so many things, the top one being teething of course.

It is so typical to not mention something like this at shot time, especially since that is right when it started, seems like it would have been premature.

Needless to say, a week is too long, you need to take him in. My girlfriend had a daughter that had diarrhea for a week and she had gotten some sort of bacteria thing from dirty water. It wasn't super serious or anything but left untreated it could have become serious.

Just get him in, it is not worth the worry.

Good luck.

Hi M.,

Take your baby in as soon as possible. When old remedies don't work, it could be something serious. I don't want to scare you, but a week of diarrhea is too long.

J. B
66 yr old Grandma

I think you should take him right in to the doc - you don't want him dehydrated any longer.

my pediatrician told me that diarrhea can last 10-13 days. it's probably just a virus, and as long as he isn't getting dehydrated you can just wait it out. but it never hurts to call the doctor; they can let you know if they think you should bring him in.

I would call and talk to your pediatrician. Also, coconut water is a GREAT source of electrolytes and is a naturally low in sugar source of fluids. I always give my little one that when I have diarrhea issues. Also--I think it makes a difference if you are looking at watery diarrhea vs just pretty loose stools. Watery diarrhea is a bigger deal, and can lead to dehydration pretty quickly.

Good luck--it is so hard to see our lo's sick!