Can babies with diarrhea drink formula milk?
In general, whether a baby can drink formula during diarrhea depends on the severity of the diarrhea and the baby's physical condition. If the baby's diarrhea is mild and there is no lactose intolerance, drinking formula is usually acceptable. However, if the diarrhea is severe or the baby has lactose intolerance, it is not recommended to consume formula. The specific analysis is as follows:
If the baby's diarrhea is mild and the baby tolerates lactase well, it is generally safe to drink a moderate amount of formula during diarrhea. Formula provides essential nutrients such as protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins, which help supply energy and support recovery.
However, if the baby has severe diarrhea or suffers from lactose intolerance, the gastrointestinal function may be impaired. In such cases, consuming formula may lead to incomplete digestion and absorption of lactose, potentially worsening the diarrhea. Therefore, formula feeding is not advised under these circumstances.
During episodes of diarrhea, it is advisable to adjust the baby's diet by choosing easily digestible foods, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and maintaining good dietary hygiene, all of which can aid in recovery.