Older Children (over 1 year old) WITH frequent, watery diarrhea

• Fluids: Offer unlimited fluids. If taking solids, give water or half-strength Gatorade. If refuses solids, give milk or formula.
• Avoid all fruit juices and soft drinks. (Reason: makes diarrhea worse)
• ORS is rarely needed, but for severe diarrhea, also give 4-8 oz. of ORS after every large watery stool.
• Solids: Starchy foods are absorbed best.  Give dried cereals, oatmeal, bread, crackers, noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, carrots, applesauce, strained bananas, etc.  Pretzels or salty crackers can help meet sodium needs.
• Yogurt: If over 12 months old, give 2-6 oz. of active culture yogurt twice a day. (Reason: restores healthy bacteria to GI tract).