What is toddler diarrhea?

A common, harmless condition in children ages 1-3. Children may have loose stools several times a day but continue to grow and act normally. This condition usually improves with time.

Common signs:

1. Loose or watery stools
2. 2-5 bowel movements per day (sometimes more)
3. Undigested food pieces in stool
4. Normal growth and weight gain

Why it happens:

Food moves quickly through the intestines, so the body doesn’t absorb everything fully or adequately. This is not an infection.

Common causes:

1. Too much juice (e.g., apple, pear, or fruit juice)
2. Sugary drinks or snacks
3. Low-fat diets

How to help:

1. Limit juice to 4 oz. per day or avoid all together
2. Offer whole milk, yogurt, and cheese
3. Provide balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
4. Encourage water more often

When to call us:

1. Poor weight gain
2. Blood in stool
3. Severe stomach pain
4. Vomiting or signs of dehydration