infant diarrhea- causes symptoms and feeding

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Article

Diarrhea in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, Feeding, and When to Seek Help

Feb 2, 2026

6 mins

Educational Material Reviewed by Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Consultant Pediatrician, Shreeji Clinic, Gurugram, Haryana

What is diarrhea in infants^1,2?

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Diarrhea means having loose or watery stools three or more times in a day, or more that are noticeably different from your baby’s usual pattern. Infections, dietary changes, or other factors can cause it. Passing normal, well-formed stools many times a day is not diarrhea.
Also, babies who are breastfed often pass soft or pasty stools, this is normal and not a sign of diarrhea.

What are the common causes of diarrhea in infants?

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Diarrhea in babies can happen due to many reasons, viral causes being the most common (e.g., rotavirus). Other causes include bacteria or parasites.

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Poor hygiene and sanitation practices, including unsafe drinking water, inadequate hand hygiene during food preparation or child feeding, uncovered cooked food, unclean utensils, bottle feeding, consumption of unpasteurized milk or unhygienic street food, and improper excreta disposal, lead to food contamination.

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An excess amount of sugary and carbonated drinks can also cause diarrhea.

How can I tell if my baby has diarrhea⁴?

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Your baby has diarrhea if they pass 3+ loose/watery stools per day, more frequently, and different from their normal pattern. Stools may smell bad and have mucus or blood. Watch for:

- Fever

- Vomiting

- Tummy pain

- Loss of appetite (anorexia)

- Dehydration

How long does diarrhea last in babies^5,6?

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The time it takes for a baby to recover from diarrhea depends on the cause and severity of the diarrhea.

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In most babies with a simple viral stomach infection, diarrhea usually improves within 5 to 7 days.

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If diarrhea continues for more than 14 days, it is called persistent or chronic diarrhea, and the baby should be checked by a doctor for further tests and treatment.

What should I feed my baby during diarrhea^2,7?

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It is important to ensure adequate nutrient intake during diarrhea to support recovery. Hence, continuing milk or food intake should be encouraged. Continue breastfeeding if your child is breastfed. Breast milk is protective and also provides hydration and continued nutrition for the baby. Meals can be given more frequently, in smaller amounts, to help digest food. Feed light, easy-to-digest foods (for infants on solids): mashed banana, boiled potatoes, soft khichdi, curd, apple puree, idlis. These act as binding, gentle foods.

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Home-based fluids: rice water, vegetable soup, dal water, coconut water, salted lassi, and plain water can be given in between.

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Some children may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose during diarrhea. While complete lactose removal is usually not necessary, a diet lower in lactose can be helpful. Consult with a pediatrician before changing the milk.

Are there home remedies for infant diarrhea?⁸

1. Caring for nutrition supports a faster return to recovery.

2. Continue regular age-appropriate feeding - do not stop food during diarrhea; babies need nutrients for recovery.

3. Use boiled water for drinking and washing fruits/vegetables to prevent worsening of diarrhea.

4. Maintain hygiene: wash hands frequently, sterilize feeding and cooking utensils, clean toys and play areas to reduce reinfection

5. Always seek a pediatrician’s advice before giving anti-diarrheal medicine or remedies. You may also be advised to give ORS and/or zinc to your child, depending on the doctor’s assessment.

When should I seek medical help? ^2,3

Contact your doctor if your baby:

1. Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, less urine)

2. Urinating less than usual, or no wet diapers for 3 hours or more

3. High fever, lack of energy

4. Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

5. Abdominal pain, watery and bloody stools, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills

6. Inability to drink and breastfeed

Should babies with diarrhea avoid milk or lactose-containing foods^9,10?

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Babies with diarrhea do not usually need to avoid milk or lactose-containing foods. Diarrhea can cause a partial loss of lactase (the enzyme that helps digest lactose), meaning babies can still digest some lactose, just not in large amounts. Because of this, complete lactose removal is generally unnecessary, Breastfeeding should always continue of the child is breastfed. If a baby seems sensitive to regular milk feeds during diarrhea, parents should consult their pediatrician before making any changes.

Does diluting milk reduce diarrhea duration in babies¹¹?

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Diluting milk can reduce essential nutrients and calories that babies need for recovery. It is best to talk to your pediatrician before changing your baby’s milk diet.

What are the ‘don’ts’ during diarrhea²?

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Do not keep the child fasting. Offer small, frequent, hygienically prepared feed.

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Do not give fruit juices, or carbonated beverages, caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee as fluid intake.

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Avoid street foods and processed food.

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Do not give any medications without consulting a healthcare provider.

References

Diarrhoeal disease. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
Shah D, Sharma N, Rai AK, Oberoi A. Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).
Symptoms & Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in Children - NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed November 27, 2025. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/chronic…
dehydration-and-diarrhea-2003.
Leung AK, Hon KL. Paediatrics: how to manage viral gastroenteritis. DIC. 2021;10:1-11. doi:10.7573/dic.2020-11-7
Giannattasio A, Guarino A, Lo Vecchio A. Management of children with prolonged diarrhea. F1000Res. 2016;5:206. doi:10.12688/f1000research.7469.1
World Health Organization. Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children: Guidelines for the Management of Common Childhood Illnesses. Second edition. World Health Organization; 2013.
Diarrhoea. In: Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children: Guidelines for the Management of Common Childhood Illnesses. 2nd Edition. World Health Organization; 2013. Accessed November 27, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154434/
MacGillivray S, Fahey T, McGuire W. Lactose avoidance for young children with acute diarrhoea. Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;2013(10). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005433.pub2
World Health Organization, ed. Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children: Guidelines for the Management of Common Childhood Illnesses. Second edition, 2013 edition. World Health Organization; 2013.
Martin C, Ling PR, Blackburn G. Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast Milk and Infant Formula. Nutrients. 2016;8(5):279. doi:10.3390/nu8050279

Dr. Neeraj Sharma

Consultant Pediatrician, Shreeji Clinic, Gurugram, Haryana, India

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional.

Disclaimer: Mothers are informed that breast milk, especially the yellowish colostrum secreted in the first week after delivery, is highly nutritious and contains more protein, anti-infective properties, and Vitamin A. Breast milk is a complete food for the first six months, protects against infections, is always available, and requires no preparation. It is also more economical than infant milk substitutes.

Breastfeeding immediately after delivery helps the womb contract and supports the mother in regaining her figure quickly. Frequent suckling and maternal confidence are key to success. Mothers should be encouraged and supported, with proper care of breasts during pregnancy. Infants should be breastfed as soon as possible after birth, and mother and child should stay together (rooming-in). Colostrum must be given and not discarded in favor of sugar water or other substitutes. Infants should be fed on demand, and hygiene for both mother and child must be maintained.

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