Children Vomiting & Diarrhea
(3 months to 2 years old)

Diarrhea and vomiting may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Food poisoning or eating unusual kinds or amounts of food may also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea may be caused by antibiotics. Usually vomiting may last 1 to 2 days and diarrhea may last up to a week.

In infants their digestive system is not as well developed as older children and adults, so they may not be able to tolerate large amounts of juice, fruit, or milk all at one time. Breastfed babies get diarrhea less often because breast milk is easier to digest.

How can I tell if it is really Diarrhea or not?

Not all frequent loose stools are diarrhea. Diarrhea in a young infant is considered to be more than 12 stools per day that smell bad and may have small amounts of blood in it. If the baby does not seem sick or has no other signs of sickness, then maybe your baby is sensitive to the formula or some food you have eaten if you are breastfeeding.

Home Treatment:

It is very important in children to watch for signs of dehydration (not enough fluid in the body). Young children can quickly become dehydrated.

• If you are breastfeeding your baby or child keep doing it. Offer frequent, shorter feeds if necessary. If the diarrhea is getting worse or they are vomiting more some doctors suggest giving an oral rehydration drink (Pedialyte or store brand). You should keep breastfeeding also.
• If your baby is formula fed change to an oral rehydration drink. You need to slowly change back to formula in 6 to 24 hours. Keep giving the oral rehydration drink until the diarrhea is happening less often. Give your baby their regular formula, but give it to them in small, frequent feedings. You can return to the usual amount of formula the next day.
• For each large loose stool they need 120ml to 240ml (4 to 8 ounces) of rehydration drink.
• You need to use a children's rehydration drink like Pedialyte or the store brand equivalent. Do not use sport drinks, fruit juice, or pop. These drinks have too much sugar in them and not enough of the electrolytes that are being lost through the diarrhea.
• Rehydration drinks should not replace formula and other fluids for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Usually after 12 to 24 hours most children can go back to their normal diet. Let them eat what they want except stay away from high-fiber foods (like beans) and foods with lots of sugar (like juice and ice cream) for a few days.
• Protect the diaper area with zinc oxide or another barrier cream, because diarrhea can cause diaper rash.

How can I tell if they are getting better?

• Stools will become smaller and happen less often.
• Some types of diarrhea will last for 4 to 6 days.
• They are peeing like they usually do.
• They look and feel better.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your doctor soon IF:

• Diarrhea is bloody, black, or dark red.
• Pee is bloody or cola color.
• Vomiting happens, really tired, stiff neck (they may cry when their neck is moved).

Any signs of dehydration like:

• No pee for 12 hours or peed less than 3 times in 24 hours
• Eyes look sunken back in their head
• No tears when they cry
• Skin looks grey in color
• Really thirsty
• Breathing fast
• Sleepy
• Soft spot on a baby's head looks sunken in
• Mouth, tongue, skin looks dry
• Spit is sticky

Other reasons to take them to the hospital or doctor include:

• They will not drink or can not drink enough fluid to replace what they lost.
• They are under 3 months old and are vomiting most or all clear liquids and feedings.
• High fever or lower fever with diarrhea for more than 2 days.
• Bad pains in the stomach.
• Stomach pain continues and there is frequent vomiting for more than 12 hours with little or no diarrhea.
• Stomach pain starts several hours before the vomiting and seems like more than stomach cramps.
• Pain is more to the lower right side instead of around the belly button. (this may be hard to tell in small children)
• They do not seem to be improving as well as you think they should.