Diarrhea is the body’s way of ridding itself of germs. Most episodes of diarrhea lasts a few days to a week. It often occurs with fever, nausea, dehydration, vomiting, cramps.
Oral Re-hydration Solution (ORS)
This is an age-old home remedy for treating loose motions in a 2-month-old baby. You can buy an ORS from a chemist or you can even prepare it at your home. You must give ORS to the baby at regular intervals. It will help to keep dehydration at bay and will make up for the loss of fluids.
To make ORS at home: Boil one liter of filtered water and allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then add six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to this water and mix it until it dissolves completely in it.
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Banana
Babies lose a lot of potassium during loose motions. It is necessary to replenish it. Banana contains potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamin A and B6. It proves to be a wonderful source of energy. Kids are usually fond of the taste of Bananas It is one of the fruits that is available all year round.
Apple
Needless to say, Apples are powerhouse of energy. They are full of pectin which helps in firming up your child’s bowel movement. To make it easier for your child to swallow it or to feed them while they are irritated, you can follow these steps. Wash an apple, boil it in water and make a puree. It will be soft and easily digestible. This will not only keep loose motions at bay but will provide your baby with much-needed energy at this time.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a soothing drink. Homemade buttermilk is effective in fighting germs and bacteria too. It calms down the digestive system quickly and above all, it is tasty too. You can add a little salt and black pepper to it and let your baby drink it. This is recommended for kids who are above 8 months old.
Carrot Juice
Our baby has lost a lot of energy during this time and they will to replenish their lost energy. Carrots are a great source of energy during such times. Carrot juice or puree can be served a couple of times during the day to the baby with intervals. It is best suitable for babies above 1 year.
Image source – Reader’s Digest
Coconut Water
Who doesn’t know the massive amount of health benefits of coconut water? But do you know, it is a wonderful liquid to aid your child’s recovery from diarrhoea? Coconut water not only tastes good but it also helps the body to regain lost fluids. It is recommended to give coconut water to your child at least 2-3 times in a day.
Curd
You need to restore the healthy bacteria in your baby’s digestive system. It is considered to be the most gut-friendly food especially when your child has diarrhea. Homemade buttermilk (without sugar) also contain probiotics. It can be prepared easily and will be very soothing for your baby at this irritable time.
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Starch-rich Products
If you have already begun a semi-solid/solid diet for your baby then it is advisable to opt for starchy foods like potato and rice cereal. Potato is abundant in starch and helps babies to recover from loose motions really quickly. You can boil a potato and mash it till it is smooth and fine. You can also add a pinch of salt to it. Roasted cumin seeds in powdered form can also be added to prevent gas formation. This potato mash can be fed once a day to the baby.
Image source – Verywell Health
Call your doctor right away if your child:
- Has had diarrhea more than three days
- Is younger than 6 months old
- Is vomiting green or yellow fluid (or if you spot blood)
- Can’t hold down fluids
- Has a high fever
- Seems very dehydrated
- Has bloody stool
- Is less than a month old with three or more episodes of diarrhea
- Has a weak immune system
In case your baby is refusing to eat anything during diarrhea, it is best not to force feed them. Try feeding after long gaps so that they will be hungry and won’t say no for food. It is highly recommended for babies who are less than a year old to be taken to the doctor before trying home remedies.
Also read : Heat stroke in babies and how to treat them
DISCLAIMER: These remedies may not show results to the people having medical conditions. Results may vary from person to person.
