Toddler's Digestive System :)

Updated on May 31, 2008
J.K. asks from Anoka, MN
11 answers

I am wondering if anyone has a toddler who gets diarreha often? My 20 month old has had it on and off for about 2 weeks. We have gone into the doctor and they say nothing is wrong. Does anyone have any suggestions? Could it be milk?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the suggestions! Hopefully she will be done with this soon. My older daughter had similar problems around the same age, so I guess she could just be growing-- But no the less it is so frustrating-- especially because we can't bring her to daycare, and we can't work then ( which it is hard to pay for daycare when you are not working :). She is definatly more important than work, so I just want her to be healthy again! thankfully she thinks frinking water from a water bottle is the greatest thing, do I do not think dehydration is her problem-- and she is only having a bowl movement about 1 time a day-- it just happens to be loose.
Thanks again for all the suggestions! It makes me feel better that this happens to other kids too!

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

It could possibly be lactose intolerance, too much sugar or too much fruit.
Try the BRAT diet Bananas, Rice, Applesauce & Toast. That's supposed to help too.
Otherwise you might try switching to Silk Soy milk and see if that helps.
Best Wishes,
J.

More Answers

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A.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

From what I understand, it can take a couple of weeks to get out of their system. I would suggest looking at acidopholis. Yogurt would be one way of introducing this into your childs digestion easily-otherwise you can purchase it in capsules at the grocery store or healthfood section of the grocery store. I haven't had this problem with my children, but personally have had "issues" with diarreha/IBS and the acidopholis REALLY helps!!
Good luck!
A.

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T.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Take a look at his diet. My son developes loose stools when he has too many fruits and juice.

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S.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

J.,

My 3 oldest children had an episode of diarreha daily at the age of 25 months for 4-8 weeks. Then it was just gone. I think that their digestive system was just growing, developing and needed to get some things worked out.

My solution was to feed them lots of bananas, cheese and things that traditionally "back you up." It helped some but didn't eliminate the problem. I really limited their intake of foods that work as a natural laxative and waited it out. They all outgrew it.

I wouldn't permanently ban anything from your child's diet just yet. If you choose not to give your child milk anymore, make sure that you find a substitute so that your child is getting adequate fat, protein and calcium.

Good luck,
S.

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S.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Does your baby get a lot of juice? If so, I'd cut that out. My son can't drink juice because when he does, it gives him diarrhea. Juice is really high in sorbitol, which is a natural sugar, that many times causes diarrhea. Also, he eats yogurt every day, and I've noticed that since he's done that, he's the most regular kid you've ever seen. We buy Stoneyfield Farm YoKids (he's almost 4), and when he was a baby we bought Yo Baby. It tastes smooth and creamy, but without the sugar & dyes of some of the other kids' yogurt. Make sure whatever you buy has active cultures. Good luck!

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L.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son, who's exactly the same age as yours, also gets bouts of diarrhea. I find it upsetting because my son is quite small to begin with, but the doc assures me he's OK if he's acting well and growing, which he is.
Please check with your doctor because mine, Dr. Benson, at UMN gave me quite different info than you're receiving here.
1. BRAT is not a sufficient diet and should not be used for more than a day or so. The doc said that some toddlers who are fed this diet for too long get what are called "starvation stools." He suggests feeding them healthy food when they're hungry and avoiding most fruits. If the food's good it shouldn't slow down the healing.
2. No juice. Empty calories.
3. Over-the-counter meds shouldn't be used. (Certainly check with your doc...)
4. Dehydration is the big issue. If your son isn't taking in enough liquids--not peeing enough, dry lips, extra low energy--call the doc immediately.
5. Soy is a highly allergic food--even moreso than milk. Removing soy from the diet--and it's added to soo many foods!--may also help.
Buena suerte.
L

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B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

Take your son off of milk and juice and see what happens. Try offering just water. I know that doesn't sound fun maybe just dilute his juice then so it has some flavor.

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S.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son has had "the runs" often as well. As a baby he had Rotovirus for about 2 months cause they continually told me that he had other things, like being lactose intolerent. How wrong they were! Also when he was older and was using a sippy cup I had to dilute all of his juice to 3/4 water and 1/4 juice and sometimes even less juice because with out fail, every time he had straight juice he got "the runs". If you feel it is the milk (lactose intolernt) he would react to the milk pretty much as soon as he drinks it, not hours later. That is what they told me when I took my son off lactose free formula. My son now drinks regular milk. Good luck!

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C.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son has never been able to drink regular milk. Something about the pasteurization process causes him to get diarrhea. HOwever, he is able to eat cheese, ice cream, etc so maybe this is the problem?

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P.R.

answers from Dallas on

I would take him off milk also. Also do the BRAT diet, plus you can give yogurt if he will eat it. I use Culturelle or Lactinex Granuels as well they work great and very quickly. He should be getting better soon. Good luck.

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S.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

TAKE HIM OFF MILK FOR NOW. I can't believe your dr. didn't tell you that.

Do the BRAT Diet: Banana, rice, applesauce, toast. Dairy products, like milk, ice cream etc will make him still continue to have diarreha.

If that fails......get childrens immodeum, that works fast too.

I've had kids that had it 2-3 weeks, your child should be at the tail end of soon.

No milk, give him pedialite so he doesn't dehydrate.

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