Diarrhoea in children and babies
শিশু ও নবজাতকের ডায়রিয়া
Overview
Return to Symptoms
Next Review Date:
Find your local services
Search for a service near you by entering your postcode below.
Please input your postcode in the following format: A12 1BC
NHS inform has more information on this condition.
You told us your credentials were:
You said:
Based on the information you gave us, we made the following recommendation:
Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for children or babies.
It affects most people from time to time. It can be distressing and unpleasant but is usually nothing to worry about. It normally clears up in a few days to a week.
There is a separate page on diarrhoea in adults.
Self-help guide
Advice for people aged 5 years or more with diarrhoea or loose stools.
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
Your child:
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- has a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- has a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
- is having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- feels unusually cold to touch
- has a fit (seizure)
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the ‘glass test‘ from Meningitis Now)
- is difficult to wake up, confused or not responding as usual
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or less and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
Your child:
- has blood in their poo or wee
- has tummy pain that doesn’t go away for more than 1 day even after paracetamol or ibuprofen
- keeps being sick and can’t keep down any fluids
- is breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
- has dry skin, lips or tongue
- is drinking or breastfeeding much less than normal
- is under 5 years of age and has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- is aged 5 years or more and still has signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- is irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
- is over 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above
- has a temperature less than 36°C (97°F)
- is getting worse and you’re still worried
- has diarrhoea for more than 7 days
- is vomiting for more than 2 days
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
Looking after your child at home
In most cases, children and babies with diarrhoea can be treated safely at home. Make sure they keep drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
If your baby has diarrhoea, continue breastfeeding or milk feeds. Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds. If they seem dehydrated, they’ll need extra fluids.
Children with diarrhoea can take small sips of clear fluid, like water or clear broth. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks until they’re feeling better.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t interested in solid foods. If they’re hungry, offer them plain foods like biscuits, bread, pasta or rice.
NHS Scotland North have further information about managing diarrhoea, including what to eat and drink.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
Your child:
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- has a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- has a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
- is having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- feels unusually cold to touch
- has a fit (seizure)
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the ‘glass test‘ from Meningitis Now)
- is difficult to wake up, confused or not responding as usual
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or less and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
Your child:
- has blood in their poo or wee
- has tummy pain that doesn’t go away for more than 1 day even after paracetamol or ibuprofen
- keeps being sick and can’t keep down any fluids
- is breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
- has dry skin, lips or tongue
- is drinking or breastfeeding much less than normal
- is under 5 years of age and has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- is aged 5 years or more and still has signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- is irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
- is over 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above
- has a temperature less than 36°C (97°F)
- is getting worse and you’re still worried
- has diarrhoea for more than 7 days
- is vomiting for more than 2 days
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
Looking after your child at home
In most cases, children and babies with diarrhoea can be treated safely at home. Make sure they keep drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
If your baby has diarrhoea, continue breastfeeding or milk feeds. Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds. If they seem dehydrated, they’ll need extra fluids.
Children with diarrhoea can take small sips of clear fluid, like water or clear broth. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks until they’re feeling better.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t interested in solid foods. If they’re hungry, offer them plain foods like biscuits, bread, pasta or rice.
NHS Scotland North have further information about managing diarrhoea, including what to eat and drink.
Causes
What causes diarrhoea in children and babies?
There are many possible causes. A bowel infection (gastroenteritis) is a common one in children.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by:
- a virus, such as norovirus or rotavirus
- bacteria, such as campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E. coli), often picked up from contaminated food
- a parasite, like the one that causes giardiasis, spread through contaminated water
These infections are sometimes caught while travelling abroad, especially in areas with poor public hygiene standards. This is known as travellers' diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea can also result from:
- anxiety
- a food allergy
- medication
- a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Treatment
A pharmacist can be a good first stop for advice on diarrhoea.
Talk to one if your child:
- is 5 or older and shows signs of dehydration, such as dark, strong-smelling urine or urinating less than usual
- has a weakened immune system, or another health condition that raises their risk of dehydration
- needs their diarrhoea stopped for a few hours
The pharmacist may suggest:
- an oral rehydration powder mixed with water to make a drink. Adding some diluted squash (not a "sugar-free" one) can make it easier to get your child to drink
- medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, such as loperamide (not suitable for children aged 11 or under)
Prevention
After at least 48 hours have passed since your child's last bout of diarrhoea, they can safely go back to school, daycare or their usual routine. Keeping them home until then gives the infection time to stop spreading to others.
How to prevent diarrhoea in children and babies
Most cases of diarrhoea come from an infection, so simple hygiene habits at home go a long way in lowering your child's chances of getting it.
Do
- have your child wash their hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet and before eating or handling food
- wipe down toilet seats, flush handles, taps, other surfaces and door handles with disinfectant after each episode of diarrhoea
- wash any clothing or bedding soiled with stool or vomit separately, on a hot cycle
Don't
- avoid sharing your child's towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with other members of the household
- keep your child out of swimming pools until at least 2 weeks after symptoms have fully stopped
- when travelling abroad, do not let your child drink tap water unless you are sure it is safe