Safe Home Remedies For Diarrhea In Babies

Home remedies for diarrhea in babies are often the safest and most effective way to manage mild cases, especially for newborns and infants under the age of 1. Diarrhea or loose motions can be worrying for parents. But with proper care and hydration, it often resolves on its own in babies.

In many cases, relying on natural remedies for diarrhea is a gentler alternative to medications. While diarrhea can sometimes indicate an underlying infection, these home remedies to stop diarrhea offer safe solutions for easing your baby’s discomfort.

In this article, we’ll explore some tried-and-true remedies that can help provide diarrhea relief for infants, using simple, natural ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

What Causes Diarrhea In Babies?

The most common thought is that babies are adjusting to life outside the womb, but there are several other causes of diarrhea in babies. These include:

Infections: Viral (like rotavirus), bacterial, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhea.
Teething: Increased saliva during teething can sometimes lead to loose stools in babies.
Food sensitivities: New foods or formula changes can upset their stomach.
Antibiotics: Medications can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea.
Allergies: Milk or food allergies can result in digestive issues.
Overfeeding: Feeding too much or too frequently can cause loose motions. (Find answers to how much a newborn should eat HERE!)
Stress or Anxiety: New experiences or changes in routine can trigger digestive upset.
Inadequate hydration: Not enough fluids can cause diarrhea or worsen it.
Genetic conditions: Rare conditions like lactose intolerance or Celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea.

13 Best Home Remedies To Stop Diarrhea In Babies

Here are some safe and effective home remedies to stop diarrhea that have been used widely. These natural remedies for diarrhea are gentle, safe, and can provide instant relief for babies:

1. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

When your baby has diarrhea, they lose essential fluids and electrolytes (salts), which can lead to dehydration. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is specifically designed to replace these lost fluids and balance electrolytes in the body. This is crucial among other home remedies for diarrhea to keep your baby hydrated and healthy.

You can either purchase ORS packets from a pharmacy or make your own at home using:

1/2 teaspoon salt
6 teaspoons sugar
1 liter of clean water

Mix these ingredients well and offer small sips of the solution every 10 to 15 minutes. You can use this natural treatment for baby diarrhea for babies of all ages. But, it’s especially important if they are under six months.

2. Rice Water

Rice water is another tried-and-tested home remedy for diarrhea. The starchy water from boiled rice helps to absorb excess fluid in the intestines, slowing down diarrhea. To make rice water:

Rinse a tablespoon of rice and cook it in two cups of water.
After the rice is cooked, strain the water and allow it to cool down.
Give your baby small sips of this rice water throughout the day.

This remedy is gentle and safe for babies, helping them stay hydrated and providing relief from diarrhea.

3. Coconut Water

Coconut water is known for its ability to replenish lost electrolytes, making it one of the best natural remedies for diarrhea.

It is rich in potassium and sodium, which can help balance electrolytes and keep your baby hydrated. As the dehydration caused by frequent loose stools is addressed, the diarrhea in babies naturally stops.

You can give your baby fresh coconut water in small amounts. Be sure to avoid packaged coconut water that may contain added sugars or preservatives. Coconut water is gentle on the stomach and helps prevent dehydration while soothing the digestive system.

4. Fennel Seed Water (Saunf Water)

Fennel seeds have been used for centuries to soothe digestive issues, including diarrhea. They have anti-inflammatory properties that calm the stomach and reduce irritation. This makes them a great option among home remedies for diarrhea.

Fennel seed water can also help reduce gas and bloating, which often accompany diarrhea.

Is your baby struggling with colic, gas, or reflux?
CLICK HERE to read our blog on Dealing with Common Issues in Newborns for more tips.

How to Make Fennel Seed Water

Lightly crush half a teaspoon of fennel seeds.
Boil the crushed fennel seeds in 1 cup of water for about 5 minutes.
Strain the water and let it cool to a lukewarm temperature.
Offer small sips of this fennel seed water to your baby, around 2-3 times a day.

This gentle remedy can help calm your baby’s digestive system and relieve symptoms of diarrhea.

5. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and tannins, which have natural astringent properties. These properties help tighten the tissues in the intestines, which can reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea. Pomegranate juice can also help soothe an irritated stomach.

How to Use Pomegranate Juice

Extract fresh juice from a pomegranate (you can also buy fresh juice but make sure it’s pure, with no added sugars).
Dilute the juice with some water to make it mild enough for your baby.
Offer small sips to your baby throughout the day.

6. Pomegranate Peel for Diarrhea Relief

Another way to avail the benefits of pomegranate is by using the peel (skin). Pomegranate peel contains high levels of antioxidants and tannins, which work as natural agents to stop diarrhea by tightening intestinal tissues.

How to Use Pomegranate Peel

Wash and peel the pomegranate.
Dry the peel and grind it into a fine powder (you can also sun-dry the peel and store it).
Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pomegranate peel powder with warm water. Or mix it into a small amount of breast milk or formula for babies under 6 months.
Offer this mixture in small doses to your baby.

The pomegranate peel powder works similarly to the juice in providing diarrhea relief for infants.

7. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has a soothing effect on the digestive system. It can relax the muscles in the intestines and reduce the cramping and discomfort that often accompanies diarrhea. This among the best home remedies for diarrhea is mild and calming, making it safe for babies over six months.

How to Make Chamomile Tea

Steep a chamomile tea bag or fresh chamomile flowers in hot water for about 5 minutes.
Strain the tea and let it cool to room temperature.
Offer small sips of this tea to your baby.
Chamomile tea can help calm your baby’s tummy, relieve cramping, and reduce the frequency of diarrhea.

8. Carrot Soup

Carrots are rich in soluble fiber, which helps absorb excess water in the intestines, making them a great remedy to stop diarrhea. Carrot soup is also soothing and easy for your baby to digest, providing hydration and nutrients.

How to Make Carrot Soup

Peel and chop 2-3 carrots into small pieces.
Boil the carrots in water until they are soft.
Once soft, blend the carrots into a smooth soup.
Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving it to your baby.
Carrot soup can help absorb excess fluids in the intestines, making it a helpful remedy to slow down diarrhea.

9. Ginger Water (For Babies Over 6 Months)

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the stomach and reduce the irritation that causes diarrhea. For babies over six months, ginger water can be a gentle remedy.

How to Make Ginger Water

Boil a small piece of ginger in water for a few minutes.
Strain the ginger and let the water cool.
Offer small sips of this ginger water to your baby.
Ginger helps calm the stomach, reducing diarrhea symptoms and inflammation.

10. Clove Water

Cloves have antimicrobial properties that can help stop diarrhea. They can calm an upset stomach and reduce intestinal irritation.

How to Make Clove Water

Boil 1-2 cloves in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.
Let the water cool, strain it, and offer small sips to your baby.

11. Guava Leaf Tea

Guava leaves contain tannins, which have astringent properties that help tighten the intestinal lining and stop diarrhea. This tea is an effective among the best home remedies for diarrhea that helps firm up stools.

How to Make Guava Leaf Tea

Boil a few fresh guava leaves in water for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Offer small sips of this tea to your baby throughout the day.
Guava leaf tea is an effective way to manage diarrhea and calm an irritated stomach.

12. Bael Fruit (Wood Apple) Pulp

Bael fruit is known for its ability to stop diarrhea and soothe the stomach. Its natural compounds help reduce the frequency of diarrhea.

How to Prepare Bael Fruit Pulp

Mash the pulp of the Bael fruit and mix it with a little warm water.
Give small amounts of this mixture to your baby.
Bael fruit is an excellent option to manage diarrhea and promote digestion.

13. Mint Water

This is one of the best home remedies for diarrhea having cooling properties. Mint can help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea, such as cramps and bloating. Mint water is gentle and soothing, perfect for easing your baby’s stomach discomfort.

How to Make Mint Water

Boil a handful of fresh mint leaves in water for about 5 minutes.
Strain the leaves and let the water cool before offering it to your baby.
Mint water helps reduce stomach irritation, making it a great remedy for diarrhea.

How To Help Babies Recover From Diarrhea Quickly?

While you already know home remedies to stop diarrhea in babies, here’s a list of 10 best remedies that can help with recovery and restore your baby’s health:

Breast milk – Provides essential nutrients and hydration to help the baby recover.
Plain rice water – Helps soothe the stomach and provides hydration.
Yogurt (Curd) – Contains probiotics that restore healthy gut bacteria.
Buttermilk – Soothes the stomach and aids digestion.
Mashed bananas – Rich in potassium, they help replenish lost nutrients and firm stools.
Boiled potatoes – A bland food that’s gentle on the stomach and helps with digestion.
Apple sauce – Easy to digest and helps firm up stools.
Carrot soup – Soothing for the stomach and provides hydration.
Coconut milk – Nourishes and supports digestive health after diarrhea.
Pomegranate juice – Contains antioxidants and astringent properties to help soothe the digestive system.

6 Tips To Prevent Dehydration During Diarrhea

Diarrhea can cause rapid fluid loss in babies, which increases the risk of dehydration. Here are some important tips to keep your baby hydrated while you do infant diarrhea treatment:

Offer small sips of fluids frequently
Continue breastfeeding if you are nursing, as breast milk is packed with essential nutrients and helps prevent dehydration.
Avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, as they can worsen diarrhea and irritate your baby’s stomach.
Don’t give sugary foods or drinks, carbonated beverages, or anything with artificial sweeteners. They can lead to dehydration and further upset digestion.
Refrain from offering greasy, fried, or spicy foods, as they are difficult to digest and can exacerbate stomach irritation.
Avoid giving high-fiber foods like raw vegetables and beans, as well as citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. They can aggravate diarrhea and cause discomfort.

When To Consult A Doctor

Although home remedies for diarrhea can be very effective, there are times when medical intervention is necessary. If your baby experiences any of the following, you should seek immediate medical advice for infant diarrhea treatment:

Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
Severe signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, lack of tears, lethargy)
Vomiting along with diarrhea

Final Thoughts

While home remedies for diarrhea in babies can provide relief and help manage symptoms, it’s important to stay attentive to your baby’s condition. Remedies like rice water, coconut water, and fennel seed water can be gentle and effective, but always consult your pediatrician if the diarrhea persists or worsens. With the right care, your baby can recover comfortably and quickly.

FAQs About Diarrhea In Babies

1. How can I stop my baby’s diarrhea fast?

2. What does diarrhea flush out?

Diarrhea flushes out excess water, undigested food, and toxins from the digestive system. It helps expel harmful bacteria or viruses causing infection.

3. Does yogurt help with diarrhea?

Yogurt, especially plain and unsweetened, contains probiotics that can help restore good bacteria in the gut and aid digestion during recovery from diarrhea.

4. How to prevent diaper rash while diarrhea?

To prevent diaper rash during diarrhea, change your baby’s diaper frequently, use a barrier cream, and allow the skin to air dry whenever possible to reduce irritation.

5. When should I call a doctor for my baby’s diarrhea?

If your baby shows signs of dehydration, has diarrhea for more than 2-3 days, or has blood in their stool, it’s important to contact your pediatrician immediately for guidance.

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