A Child with Diarrhoea

This usually settles within a few days. The important thing is to replace the water and salts that are lost by giving Dioralyte or Electrolade mixed with water.

If the child vomits, simply wait and give them more liquid. Give as much liquid as the child will take - too much will do no harm. The child should not have any solid food or milk for 24 hours. Taking too much liquid all at once can make them sick so give frequent small amounts. Breast feeding should certainly be continued during any episode of diarrhoea.

Most children with diarrhoea don’t like eating and a few days without solids will do no harm at all. If the diarrhoea is not settling within a few days or if the child seems weak or generally unwell then they should be seen by a doctor. Any baby under six months old with severe diarrhoea should be seen by a doctor.