Loose Motions in Children: Dos and Donts

Diarrhoea or loose motions are not only an uncomfortable and physically tiring but can also affect the human body to a great extent. And it’s more difficult when your children are suffering from it. Loose motions, as it is called, not only means repeated trips to the toilet but are a reason for dehydration and nutrition lost in kids.

So, how to manage it? Dr. Neha Bansal suggests some dos and donts when your child is having loose motions:

Dos

• Make them drink a lot of water and other liquids like coconut water, lime water etc. ORS should be given at regular intervals.
• Yougurt or curd is good for your child; you can offer it in form of raita or buttermilk with a sprinkle of cumin powder and salt. It works as a probiotic.
• Let them take proper rest even if that means a couple of days off from school.
• Do a mild tummy massage with mustard oil to provide some relief.

Donts

• Avoid milk products.
• Do not give fried and junk food, no matter how much they crave it.
• Don’t give hard food. Lentils and very soft rice is recommended.
• Don’t offer them spicy food.

Home remedies work when the situation isn’t severe. But if your child is sick for more than a day, you should consult a doctor, a child specialist rather than depending on your own remedies. Also, if your kid is younger than 6 months, do not try treatment on your own and take them to a specialist paediatrician.

You can book and appointment with Dr. Neha Bansal by directly contacting the hospital. We are available 24×7 for emergencies.