Most diarrhea in children is short-lived and goes away on its own. Young infants can dehydrate quickly, so they should be watched very carefully. Notify your pediatrician of the problem and make sure the child gets plenty of liquids. If the infant develops signs of moderate or severe dehydration, he should be seen at once.

Signs of mild dehydration:

• Dry eyes and crying with few tears or no tears
• Slightly dry mouth
• Slightly longer period between wet diapers

Signs of moderate to severe dehydration:

• Sunken appearing eyes
• Sluggish or lethargic
• Diapers are not as wet
• Skin feels dry and not springy

Signs of severe dehydration:

• In infants younger than 6 months the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head is sunken
• No urine
• When skin is pinched between fingers, it fails to spring back to its original shape
• Very lethargic or possibly unconscious

Often, your pediatrician will recommend fluids that contain electrolytes such as Pedialyte, GeoSol, or Gatorade. Follow the doctor's instructions. If you are nursing, the doctor will probably recommend that you continue nursing, possibly in addition to giving extra fluids.

Milk product formulas may increase diarrhea, and your pediatrician may recommend changing formula or suggest using fluids. Your pediatrician will tell you how to re-introduce puree food.

See also: diet for diarrhea