Binding foods for baby

When your child has diarrhea: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools. For some children, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make your child lose too much fluid (dehydrated) and feel weak.

The stomach flu is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments can also cause diarrhea.

This article speaks of diarrhea in children over 1 year of age.

It is easy for a child with diarrhea to lose too much fluid and become dehydrated. Lost fluids need to be replaced. For most children, drinking the kinds of fluids they normally have should be enough.

Some water is OK. But too much water alone, at any age, can be harmful.

Other products, such as Pedialyte and Infalyte, may help keep a child well-hydrated. These products can be bought at the supermarket or pharmacy.

Popsicles and Jell-O can be good sources of fluids, especially if your child is vomiting. You can slowly get large amounts of fluids into children with these products.

You may also give your child watered-down fruit juice or broth.

Do not use medicines to slow down your child's diarrhea without talking to a doctor first. Ask your child's health care provider if using sports drinks is OK.

In many cases, you can continue feeding your child as usual. The diarrhea will normally go away in time, without any changes or treatment. But while children have diarrhea, they should:

Eat small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big meals.
Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels and soup.

When necessary, changes in the diet may help. No specific diet is recommended. But children often do better with bland foods. Give your child foods such as:

Baked or broiled beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey
Cooked eggs
Bananas and other fresh fruits
Applesauce
Bread products made from refined, white flour
Pasta or white rice
Cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes
Pancakes and waffles made with white flour
Cornbread, prepared or served with very little honey or syrup
Cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, mushrooms, beets, asparagus tips, acorn squash, and peeled zucchini
Some desserts and snacks, such as Jell-O, popsicles, cakes, cookies, or sherbet
Baked potatoes

In general, removing seeds and skins from these foods is best.

Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If dairy products are making the diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating, your child may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days.

Children should be allowed to take their time returning to their normal eating habits. For some children, a return to their regular diet can also bring a return of diarrhea. This is often due to mild problems the gut has while absorbing regular foods.

Children should avoid certain kinds of foods when they have diarrhea, including fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods, pastries, donuts, and sausage.

Avoid giving children apple juice and full-strength fruit juices, as they can loosen stool.

Have your child limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.

Your child should avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn.

Your child should also avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks at this time.

When children are ready for regular foods again, try giving them:

Bananas
Crackers
Chicken
Pasta
Rice cereal

Call your child's provider if your child has any of these symptoms:

Much less activity than normal (not sitting up at all or not looking around)
Sunken eyes
Dry and sticky mouth
No tears when crying
Not urinated for 6 hours
Blood or mucus in the stool
Fever that does not go away
Stomach pain

Easter JS. Pediatric gastrointestinal disorders and dehydration. In: Bakes KM, Buchanan JA, Moreira ME, Byyny R, Pons PT, eds. Emergency Medicine Secrets. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 65.

Kotloff KL. Acute gastroenteritis in children. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 366.

Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Baby Diarrhea Foods | Foods to Feed Baby with Diarrhea

Diarrhea in infants can be a very worrisome occurrence as most parents fear dehydration and the worsening of painful diaper rash. When baby has diarrhea, many parents wonder what foods may help “bind” baby up and stop the diarrhea.

What are the possible cause of diarrhea in babies?

Children can have acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. Infection with the rotavirus is the most common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves itself within 3 to 10 days. Children who are 6 to 32 weeks old can be vaccinated against the rotavirus with a vaccine called Rotateq. Here are a few of the common causes of diarrhea:

food sensitivities
bacteria
viruses
parasites
medications
functional bowel disorders

If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants, leading to dehydration in just a day or two. A child can die from dehydration within a few days. The main treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration to replace lost fluid quickly. NDDCHI

What foods should you feed a baby when he has diarrhea? What foods should you avoid when baby has diarrhea?

Please offer your baby small meals when he has diarrhea. Offering smaller meals will allow baby’s digestive system to work slowly. The tiny intestines and still fragile digestive system will take a bit of time to get back on track and healed. Don’t worry if it takes 3 to 4 days for your baby’s stools to get back to “normal”; healing takes time.

B.R.A.T – When baby has diarrhea, remember B.R.A.T.

Bananas – Rice – Applesauce – Toast

The foods that make up the B.R.A.T diet are those foods that will help cause the bulking and hardening of the stool. These foods include grains, and certain fruits. Below are more foods that will help firm-up and bind baby’s stools when diarrhea occurs.

Bananas
Rice and/or Homemade Rice Cereal
Breads – specifically toasted breads
Pastas
White potato
Yogurt
Applesauce

Foods to Avoid with Infant Diarrhea

Avoid any foods that are used to help alleviate constipation and certain fruits as well. Below is a list of foods to avoid when baby has diarrhea:

dairy products (yogurt is the exception due to its helpful bacteria – consult your baby’s pediatrician about feeding yogurt with diarrhea)
Fruits that begin with the letter “P” such as peaches, pears, prunes, and plums
apricots and other “Stone” fruits are typically known to help loosen stools so avoid those fruits as well
High Fiber foods

Applesauce vs. Diluted Apple Juice

As we mention on our page about Infant Constipation, please keep in mind that Applesauce is actually a binding food. Applesauce is the whole of the fruit. It contains a higher level of pectin – which firms up stools and may thus lead to constipation.

Apple juice contains more of the sugars found in the apple and it also contains more actual liquid; hence apple juice is a good remedy to help relieve constipation.

Learn More about Diarrhea at the National Institutes of Health

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

Bring on the BRAT!

Bananas, rice cereals, applesauce and bread are some great foods to offer your baby when he has a bout of diarrhea!

It is important to always consult your baby’s pediatrician when baby has had diarrhea for 2 days(or longer) and his or her skin does not “spring-back” when gently pushed. The inability of the skin to “spring-back” suggests baby may be suffering from dehydration.

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Ten healthy foods that must be in a child's diet • INMYROOM FOOD

Every mother takes care of her child, and this care is reflected in many things. For example, in the preparation of a competent and balanced diet.

It's no secret that a young body is in dire need of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. This is a guarantee that your child will grow up big and healthy. Strong immunity and proper nutrition will help to resist the harmful effects of the environment, activate mental activity and, as a result, easily cope with school workloads. nine0003

For loving mothers, we have compiled a list of 10 healthy foods that you should definitely include in your child's diet so that he grows up healthy and strong.

1. Nuts and nut butter

Products that are similar in value to nuts can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Nuts are a real storehouse of vitamins and minerals. They are especially rich in vitamin E, which increases the body's defenses and strengthens the immune system, as well as calcium and iron, which are very important for the body to grow strong and strong. nine0003

This product must be in the diet of every schoolchild. You should eat nuts and younger children. If your baby is already familiar with fruits, vegetables and cereals, then you can and even need to introduce nuts into the diet. The only question is in what form, because nuts are a fairly solid food.

An excellent solution is nut butter. It should be added in small amounts to cereals or purees. You can buy nut butter in the supermarket, but it is better to cook this product at home. Moreover, it is not so difficult. Pour the nuts in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 25 minutes. After that, grind the nuts in a blender until they acquire a paste-like consistency. This will happen in about 5-15 minutes - it all depends on the power of your blender. If desired, honey can be added to the paste. It should be stored for no more than 2 weeks in a closed form in the refrigerator. nine0003

2. Chicken eggs

Chicken eggs are very healthy for children. In their composition, you can find 12 vitamins that the body needs for normal life. These are, for example, vitamins A, D, E, group B. Eggs also contain minerals in large quantities: calcium, phosphorus, iodine, copper, iron, cobalt. There is a lot of fat in the egg yolk, but these are polyunsaturated fatty acids that only benefit the body.

Chicken egg is perfectly absorbed by the human body, so this product must be included in the diet. Eggs will be a great breakfast for your kids. They charge the body with energy and vitality and provide a feeling of satiety for a long time. From them you can cook a large number of delicious dishes: scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs, egg pudding. nine0003

3. Butter

If you watch your figure and get scared at the mere mention of the word "fats", this does not mean at all that they are completely contraindicated for your child. It has been scientifically proven that under no circumstances should saturated fats and "correct" cholesterol be excluded from the diet of children under 2 years old - they play an important role in the development of the child's brain and nervous system. Give preference to organic oil and, in consultation with the pediatrician, introduce it into the diet, adding a small amount to baby food. Of course, we are talking about the moment when your child has already mastered one-component purees. nine0003

Our mothers and grandmothers were carriers of valuable information about butter on an intuitive level. There is, perhaps, not a single schoolboy of past years who would not eat sandwiches with butter in the morning. And this makes sense. Fats help to maintain a feeling of satiety for a long time, it is better to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and make food tastier. The result is happy students and good grades.

4. Beans and lentils

Legumes are an important source of vitamins. Particular attention in the preparation of a child's diet should be paid to beans and lentils. They contain many vitamins and minerals - iron, zinc, manganese - and other useful substances, such as folic acid. In terms of protein content, beans and lentils are very close to meat products. If you want to add variety to your diet while still maintaining its nutritional value, legumes are a good alternative. nine0003

To make beans and lentils easier and faster to cook, soak them in water overnight. In the morning, beans should be strained and boiled until soft. If you're cooking red lentils, you don't need to soak them, as they cook fairly quickly. Legumes can become both an independent side dish and an integral ingredient in various soups and vegetable stews.

5. Fish

Everyone knows about the beneficial properties of fish and its importance for a child. Fish is an important source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. nine0003

It contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are responsible for cell growth, help strengthen bones and improve vision, play an important role in brain development and enhance mental activity, and increase the body's defenses. All these important properties make fish such a useful and indispensable product in the children's diet.

6. Herbs and spices

Childhood is not a reason to refuse herbs and spices. Add them to the meals you cook for your children. They will help make the dish tastier and more interesting, bring variety to the usual menu and saturate food with additional vitamins and minerals. Herbs are a valuable source of vitamin E and strengthen the immune system, while spices improve the functioning of the digestive system and have a positive effect on the overall tone of the body. nine0003

Popular and healthy combinations: fruit puree with cinnamon, cauliflower with nutmeg, meat sauce with cumin or oregano, vegetables or chicken with thyme, avocado with cilantro, fish with parsley and lemon.

7. Tofu

Tofu is basically soy milk curd. The process of making it is very similar to the process of making cheese. Therefore, sometimes tofu is referred to as cheese. Already from the definition it is clear that this product is very useful. It contains a large amount of iron, zinc and a lot of protein. This product has a high energy value. No wonder it forms the basis of vegetarian nutrition. All of the above facts make tofu a product that is ideal for children. nine0003

Tofu can be cooked in a variety of ways. Choose the one that will appeal to your child: bake, boil, fry. Tofu can become both an independent and very nutritious snack, and one of the ingredients in delicious desserts.

8. Wheat bread

A child is nowhere without bread. Choose for your child wheat bread or options with seeds and bran.

Some parents believe that eating a lot of bread is harmful for children, because this product contains gluten and this can lead to the development of celiac disease, a chronic disease of the intestines and digestive system. However, there are also studies that prove that completely eliminating bread from the diet of children is not advisable, because, on the contrary, it can increase the risk of developing this disease. Therefore, bread should be included in the child's diet, but in moderation, although in principle your child will not eat more than necessary. nine0003

Bread can also be replaced with whole grain breads and biscuits, as well as wheat flakes. The latter will be the perfect breakfast in the company of low-fat milk.

9. Natural yoghurt

Yogurt is not only delicious, but also healthy. All children are not indifferent to this product and gobble it up with great pleasure. And parents are only happy, because yogurt contains a large amount of vitamins, calcium, and other useful substances that help the child grow up healthy and smart. nine0003

However, it is important to clarify here that yoghurts, which are in great abundance on the shelves of supermarkets, are not a very healthy product for your child. Jars of dyes and flavors contain too much sugar in their composition. Choose natural yoghurts for your child without additives. You can sweeten them with natural delicacies - for example, berries and fruits, honey, syrups.

10. Red meat

Iron and zinc, which are found in large quantities in red meat, are perfectly absorbed by the child's body. Red meat is a unique source of complete protein, which is essential for normal human growth and development. B vitamins strengthen the immune system, improve eyesight and have a positive effect on digestion. Preference should be given to beef - it contains the optimal combination of nutrients. Red meat also includes pork, lamb, horse meat, rabbit meat. nine0003

To make the vitamins and minerals contained in red meat even better absorbed by the baby's body, combine it with vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C. For example, tomatoes, bell peppers, citrus fruits - tasty, nutritious and healthy.

THE MOST USEFUL FOODS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS

At the age of five years, only the formation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs. Often, due to improper diet, it is during this period that chronic diseases begin to develop. Parents should take control of this process, as well as select products for quality. nine0003

Doctors recommend including a certain list of products in the child's diet on a regular basis, based on which you can build a menu that is healthy for your child.

porridge

What is breakfast without porridge?! Yes, many children are not easy to feed her, but for a child, for an adult, porridge is very useful. Here, nutritionists advise paying attention to cereals with a low glycemic index: buckwheat, wheat, for example. Porridges saturate the body with energy for a long time, improve the functioning of the intestines and many other organs, they contain a lot of fiber, so the child feels energy for a long time. If your child does not refuse cereals, you can alternate them, because. Each cereal is rich in its own set of useful properties. nine0003

Buckwheat porridge, lentils, among other things, are rich in vegetable proteins.
Oatmeal (namely, boiled oatmeal, not instant flakes!) is useful for improving attention, brain development.
Barley porridge has a positive effect on the immune system, by the way, if it is cooked correctly, it is one of the most useful cereals.
Millet is useful for strengthening the nervous system.
The least useful of cereals is semolina, however, it also has a beneficial effect on the development of muscle tissue, bone. nine0087
Rice, it is better to choose brown rice, it is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, so it is often advised to include it in the baby's diet if he does not suffer from constipation.

EGGS (CHICKEN, QUAIL)

Who said it's boring? There are dozens of recipes for cooking eggs: Benedict, poached, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, etc. , so your baby will definitely not get tired of such a breakfast. Eggs are rich in protein, amino acids, vitamins. The yolk is especially useful, because. it is one of the main sources of lecithin. If the child does not have allergic reactions, then we advise you to eat at least one egg a day. nine0003

FRUITS

Fruits are rich in vitamin C, iron, zinc, iodine. In the first year of life for a baby, it is best to make mashed potatoes, homemade fruit juices. Some experts advise giving fruits to children every 3 hours to replenish nutrients. But, it is worth buying fruits in reliable places, as they are often processed, for the same reason it is advised to buy seasonal fruits.

Each fruit is rich in its vitamin groups and it is better to alternate them, starting the acquaintance of the baby with apples, pears, as they are the most hypoallergenic, it is better to postpone a little with citrus fruits. nine0006 GREENS
It is recommended to add greens to the baby's food, but it is best if it is summer, fresh. The greens that are sold in the store may not always be useful.

Spinach, dill, parsley, onion, rich in vitamins C, E, B, minerals and bactericidal properties - pay attention to the properties of greens and be sure to include in your baby's diet.

MEAT

No matter how widespread vegetarianism is, doctors insist on the need for its presence in the child's diet. Meat contains B vitamins, easily digestible iron, promotes the formation and development of the child's body, prevents the development of anemia. Protein, amino acids derived from meat cannot be replaced by vegetable proteins. nine0003

It is necessary to accustom a child to meat gradually, starting from the 8th month. At first, you can give a spoonful, mixing with vegetables or cereals. It is best to choose lean meats: rabbit, turkey, beef, the best compatibility for the absorption of nutrients is with vegetables. As meat, you also need to be sure, buy from trusted sellers.

FISH

Experts advise preparing fish dishes for a child at least once a week, moreover, scientists say that the mental development of children is directly dependent on the presence of fish in the diet. Undoubtedly, fish is rich in essential elements: protein as a building material, fish oil, it is indispensable for the physical development of a child, minerals (phosphorus, calcium, potassium), a complex of vitamins. Giving fish for lunch to a child, you prevent cardiovascular disease. nine0003

However, the choice of fish should be treated with caution, especially with regard to freshwater fish species. Products must be certified. Just like meat, fish should be introduced into complementary foods gradually, starting from the 9th month of life, half a teaspoon once a week in the form of mashed potatoes.

FERROUS DAIRY PRODUCTS

If there are disputes about the benefits of pure milk, then fermented milk products definitely need to be included in the child's menu. Firstly, fermented milk products are rich in calcium, due to which bone tissue and teeth are strengthened. Secondly, maintaining the balance of microflora, normalization of the intestines is important for overall well-being. Homemade yogurts, kefir, fermented baked milk - all this should be in the diet. nine0003

VEGETABLES

Certain groups of vegetables are naturally rich in vitamins.

Cabbage, for example, is especially useful when fresh, while sauerkraut is rich in vitamin C. But there is not much benefit from fried and stewed cabbage.
Broccoli, brussels sprouts are ideal for the first feeding, they are a storehouse of vitamins.
Beets are recommended to be included in the menu if the child suffers from constipation.
Beans, carrots, peas contain a large amount of vitamin A.
Potato, cabbage, lettuce are rich in vitamin B.

Vitamin C is found in lettuce and cabbage.

However, be aware that vegetables can be allergens for the baby. The least safe in this regard are onions, cucumbers, and zucchini.

NUTS AND DRY FRUITS

A valuable product for the body, but, as you have already understood from the article, any product is useful in moderation. Fate did not spare this dessert. But for nuts and dried fruits to be beneficial, you just need to know some facts. nine0003

Nuts are rich in proteins, amino acids, fats, also Omega-3, for plant food, this is unique, and also rich in vitamins and minerals. However, nuts are allergens and it will be difficult for a fragile stomach to cope with an abundance of fats, and chewing is a whole problem. For this reason, doctors advise giving them to a child no earlier than the third year of life and 30-50 grams per serving, no more.

Among the nuts, one can distinguish those that have the best effect on the brain activity and intellectual development of the child, namely: walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, they, moreover, are more gentle on the pancreas. 3 walnuts or 6 hazelnuts won't harm your child at all. Be careful with peanuts, due to their fat content, the amount should be limited, almonds are most favorable in this regard. Cashews and Brazil nuts are recommended to be included in the diet from the age of 5 and from the age of 12, as these types of nuts can negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is better to try to buy nuts in the shell and, importantly, they should always be washed before use! nine0003

Dried fruits are not inferior in value, in addition, they are rich in fiber and serve to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Dried apricots, for example, are rich in potassium, the benefits of which affect brain function, and also help babies cope with allergies. Prunes, dried peaches are famous for their high content of copper, which promotes the absorption of iron. Dried persimmon is not just a delicious treat, but also a means of strengthening the bones and teeth of your child, but it also contains a lot of sugar. nine0003

In winter, cottage cheese with nuts and dried fruits will be an excellent delicacy.

FATS, OILS

Oils are introduced into the diet simultaneously with vegetable complementary foods, starting from the 6th month of life, gradually.

Oils are useful for the functioning of the whole organism, for the functioning of the brain.