What foods are good for a baby with diarrhea?

Jun 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, babies with diarrhea can eat easily digestible, nutritious foods that may help alleviate symptoms, such as bananas, white rice porridge, cooked apples, carrot puree, and egg yolk puree. If the baby's diarrhea is severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo targeted treatment under the guidance of a doctor. At the same time, it is important to maintain proper dietary hygiene for the baby during the period of diarrhea.

Generally, when a baby has diarrhea, it is better to feed them foods such as millet porridge, steamed apples, soft noodles, steamed egg custard, and banana puree. The detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Millet Porridge

Millet porridge is easily digested and contains carbohydrates that can replenish lost electrolytes in the body. It does not add extra burden to the baby's gastrointestinal tract and instead helps in intestinal recovery.

2. Steamed Apples

Apples are rich in pectin, which can adsorb toxins and bacteria in the intestines, reducing irritation to the intestinal tract. Steamed apples are easier to digest, and their astringent effect can also help relieve diarrhea.

3. Soft Noodles

Soft-cooked noodles are easier for babies to digest and absorb, providing necessary energy and nutrients without irritating the intestines. They are suitable for babies to consume during episodes of diarrhea.

4. Steamed Egg Custard

Steamed egg custard is a nutritious and easily digested food that provides high-quality protein, helping the baby's body recover. During diarrhea, moderate consumption of steamed egg custard can replenish energy without increasing the burden on the intestines.

5. Banana Puree

Bananas contain large amounts of pectin and vitamin A, which can help absorb fluid in the abdominal cavity, assist in forming stools, and thus alleviate symptoms of diarrhea.

If a baby's diarrhea is severe, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, during episodes of diarrhea, it is important to maintain good dietary hygiene for the baby and avoid feeding them foods that are difficult to digest, cause gas easily, are too cold or hot, or are unclean.

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