How can I safely care for a child with diarrhoea at home?
The priority is fluid replacement with suitable oral rehydration solution and continued breastfeeding and usual food as tolerated. Do not automatically use antibiotics or medicines that stop diarrhoea. Blood in stool, dehydration, persistent vomiting or deterioration requires medical assessment.
Details
A practical daily plan
Offer rehydration solution in frequent small amounts and track drinking, urine and activity. Use the packet’s exact water volume. Continue formula at normal strength; do not starve the child or restrict food to a nutritionally poor diet for days. Avoid juice and sugary drinks.
What about zinc or antiemetics?
Current WHO guidance recommends zinc as an adjunct for acute watery diarrhoea in children. A clinician or pharmacist should confirm the formulation, dose and applicable protocol; zinc does not replace rehydration. Antiemetics are not an automatic home treatment for every child.
When to seek care
Seek urgent help if fluids will not stay down, urine decreases or blood appears in stool, with earlier review for infants. Green or bloody vomit, severe abdominal pain or altered consciousness needs emergency assessment. Wash hands with soap and water to reduce spread.
Related reading: How can I recognise dehydration in my child and know when to seek help?.