Toddler diarrhoea

• What is toddler's diarrhoea?


  Common cause of persistent diarrhoea in young children

  Mainly affects children 1-5 yrs

  Child is well in themselves & have no other symptoms
• What are the symptoms of toddler's diarrhoea?


  Chronic, non-specific diarrhoea (3 or more watery loose stools per day. often smellier & more pale than usual)

  Can often see pieces of undigested vegetables in stool

  Examination shows no abnormalities
• What is the treatment of toddler's diarrhoea?


  Reassurance that it will ease with time (often gone by 5/6 yrs)

  4 F's

  • fat -> higher fat food (whole milk, yoghurt, cheese, ice cream) at end of meals
  • fluid -> more than 5-8 drinks a day can contribute to toddler's diarrhoea, try limiting drinks to meal & snack times
  • fruit juice -> reduced amount of fruit juice or squash
  • fibre -> consider reducing some high-fibre foods (cereals, wholemeal bread, peas, sweetcorn, baked beans, lentils, pulses, grapes, raisins)